–Episode 7—
-Threshing 15th-
-Warm, clear skies, light wind-
-Major Events: Food shortage in Northhold-King Free Assassinated in Feldholm-
-Immersion-People Shouting-
Ep 7: Prepare for Departure (Threshing 15th)
Chaos Factor: 4
With my clothing mended and laundered, I dress for the road and join Lord Darren’s household for breakfast. Then thanking them for their hospitality (and leaving a few more coins for the servants), I head down to the stables, brush down and load up my animals who had already been fed and watered, then depart the keep, heading towards the temple to find Cedulia.
In the market square, there is a great deal of shouting as people haggle over the prices of goods. Normally, Sundays are much quieter than this
Q: Is there and unusual auction taking place? Likely Yes Q: Land grant? Very Unlikely No Q: Livestock? Likely Exceptional Yes
It is a livestock auction of all things! Normally, one would do this at the corrals, but then I realize, these are for prize bulls! Breeding sires from Baron Faust of Farhold’s own stock according to the auctioneer. I smirk, “When this auction is done, perhaps the auctioneer is heading back to Farhold?”
I head over towards the temple, where I can observe the auction from the temple steps.
-Encounter-Caravan blocking street- Q: Is Cedulia waiting for me? Likely No Q: Is there a novice available? Likely No
As I wait, I see large number of ox drawn wagons attempting to enter the village square, but due to the crowd, they cannot, and instead, there is simply a huge mess of people and animals in the chaotic marketplace. I glance up at the temple, wondering what is keeping Cedulia, but I don’t see anyone I can ask. Then I glance back at the regular stalls simply trying to conduct ordinary business, but with two animals of my own in tow, I cannot really walk around and shop.
So I wait and watch.
-Waiting encounter-None-Generate stalls and vendors-
Working the platform on the far end of the market, I see a fire eater performing. There is also a musician making their way through the crowd, but no stalls of interest near me. So I idly listen to the auction while soothing my animals while I wait.
Q: Does Cedulia show up now? Likely Yes
“What’s going on? It was hard to focus on my prayers from all the noise,” I hear Cedulia say as she comes up behind me.
“Livestock auction. Prize animals, I guess. Let’s take that street instead,” I nod towards an unobstructed side street so we can bypass the caravan wagons.
Q: Does she have any shopping to do? Unlikely Yes
“I need to pick up a few things before we leave,” she suggests. “Like, a tent of my own!”
“Hmmm, alright. Let’s find a shop,” I agree, “Can we leave the animals here for now?” I ask.
Q: Can we stable the animals at the temple until ready to leave? Very Likely Exceptional No
“No. The stables are full, they need to come with us,” Cedulia protests.
I sigh, and start leading the animals through the crowd after her.
Q: Is the book binder this way? 50/50 No Q: Is the armorer this way? 50/50 No Q: One of the jewelers? Likely Yes Q: Does the Mercer have journals and ink? Likely No Q: Chess set? 50/50 Yes
We pick up a tent from one of the general mercers we pass. He also has a crudely carved set of chess pieces and a cloth matt, which I purchase, carefully packing the set into my saddlebags. Also an herbalist kit, and another travelling outfit at a tailor’s in case I am unable to quickly mend and launder clothes after another fight.
At the jeweler, I purchase a gold and silver bracelet with three star rose gems for forty two crowns, and an electrum necklace with three translucent green gems for another 36 crowns. My purse is still full, but I no longer have extra coins jingling around in my pack and the jewelry is easily hidden in one the sacks of oats.
Q: Does Cedulia grow impatient? 50/50 No
After I am done with the jewelry purchases and rejoin Cedulia and the animals on the street, she smiles, “I’m ready. Did you get what you needed?”
“Let’s get on the road!” I nod, and we start making our way towards the city gates.
-Encounter-Slave Coffle-message-
Making our way through the city streets, we end up passing by some ogre captives, females and youths. Oddly enough, one of the women bumps against me and I notice something fall to the ground at my feet. I glance at…a stone, then back behind me, and the ogress is looking over her shoulders towards me a soulful expression in her eyes. I bend down and pick up the stone, noticing something is carved into it…a very crude falcon symbol.
“What’s that?” Cedulia asks me.
“Falcon…dropped by the third ogress, the little one,” I reply. I hand her the stone and she studies it carefully, turning it over in her hand.
Q: Does Cedulia want to question the master? 50/50 Yes (Generate slaver)
Cedulia turns and heads off after the slave coffle, and I dutifully follow behind with the animals. “Excuse me, where are these ogres from?” Cedulia asks the man leading them.
Q: Are these fresh captures? Likely Exceptional Yes
“Captured two days ago. Their kin were raiding near Baldstone, but the dwarves didn’t want to keep them, so they sent them to us. Figured we could use them. You know dwarves,” the slaver replies.
-Persuasion 11-
“No, I don’t. Not really. What becomes of them?” Cedulia asks.
“Quarry work. The boys will be separated from the women and girls of course, sent up to Red Hollow where they can grow into the heavy work. The females are usually less troublesome and will likely stay here,” he explains.
“What religious instruction will they receive?” Cedulia asks.
Q: Does the temple usually send someone to minister to the slaves here? Likely Yes (Generate the cleric)
“Whatever your temple decides to give them. Brother Patris things they can beat their evil instincts out of themselves, but I won’t let him distribute scourges to prisoners, so he has to lash them himself,” he chuckles. “Not sure why they would tolerate it if they weren’t shackled.”
“Do they speak?” Cedulia asks.
“What? Our language? No. But they’ll learn enough before too long,” the salve master replies. “Anything else? I need to get this lot to the quarry.”
Q: Is she cool with Brother Patris’ approach? Very Likely Yes Q: Does she feel the need to alert Brother Patris that one of his new charges has already heard of Freia? Unlikely Exceptional Yes
Cedulia smiles, “Thank you! That’s all I wanted to know.” She smiles happily at the ogres as she walks back towards me. “They’ll receive proper instruction!” she beams tossing the stone up, catching it in her palm and slipping it into her pouch. “I need to go tell Brother Patris!”
“I’m going to find the bookseller then,” I shrug and she nods and dashes off.
Eventually, I find the bookseller, and purchase a nice, blank, leather bound journal, a jar of black ink, and a couple of quills to write with. Securing them in my pack, my purse is now only half full, but I am well set for travel. I head back towards the city gate to wait for Cedulia there.
-Encounter-not this one again! Switch tables and roll again-
As I return towards the gate to wait, I spot a hooded figure ducking into a nearby alley. Though it is too warm for a reasonable person to wear a hood, it’s none of my business, so I continue on my way and wait for Cedulia just inside the city gates. I remove the animal’s bits so they can drink from he trough by the gate well while we wait. “Should have bought a flute,” I sigh. Then on second thought I add, “I should learn to play the flute.”
-Immersion-see something forgotten and strangely lit (maybe a drunk old guy? too early for lamps)-
Ep 7: Gatewell (Th 15th)-alter remove activity, add character familiar curious (generate a familiar!)
Chaos Factor: 4
I wait by the gate well in Truestone, a little frustrated that it will be late afternoon before we hit the road. My eyes come to rest on an old man, in rags, curled up in a nearby alleyway. An open bottle lays on the ground beside him, and he seems to have glazed eyes…faintly following the people who pass by as though aware they are present but not quite cogent enough to engage. Clearly, he is drunk. I sigh and shake my head, more in pity than anything else, but I remain at my post.
Suddenly, a crow lights on the saddle of of Johann’s horse and regards me curiously. “Shoo!” I gesture for it to leave.
“Shoo!” it replies, and hops to the pommel of the saddle.
Amused, I fish some hard bread from my satchel, and break off a piece. It eats from my hands. I chuckle to myself as it looks up, awaiting another piece, so I oblige.
“Do you have a name?” I ask the bird.
Q: Does it give a name? Unlikely No Q: Does it perch on my hand? 50/50 No
It cocks its head and studies me. I hold out a finger as a perch. It cocks its head the other way. “Silly bird,” I shake my head at the animal.
Q: Does Cedulia return early enough for us to travel? Likely No -Encounter-Sorceress with a quest, looking for a partner (generate sorcerer and her quest)- Q: Is her employer local? Very Likely Exceptional Yes Q: Is her quarry? 50/50 Yes
“Oh! There you are, silly,” a woman says as she walks towards me. She holds out her hand, and the crow hops onto her finger, and then hops up again, perching on her left shoulder. The woman has an unfamiliar accent. “Rook likes you. He doesn’t like a lot strangers. Name’s Sheria,” she smiles, extending a hand towards me.
“Senfry Talbot,” I reply, taking gripping hers…her flesh is cold to the touch. Like a snake’s or a corpse.
“I see you carry a sword. Sellsword? Caravan guard?” she asks.
“Sellsword, but I am currently under contract,” I reply.
“For how long?” she asks.
“I’m escorting someone to Farhold. After that, my time is my own,” I shrug.
“Where is this person?” she asks, looking around.
Q: Does she follow Freia? Likely No, Q: Is she religious at all? Unlikely No
I look around as well, “If I had to guess, I’d say at the temple.”
“Oh,” she replies, “A pious man then.”
“A sister of the church,” I explain.
“Oh. Well, why are you out here then, and not at the church?” Sheria asks.
“Because we were supposed to leave town today,” I sigh.
“But…since you aren’t…are you free for some work tonight?” she asks, raising an eyebrow.
“Perhaps. Let me stable the animals, then we can talk,” I reply cautiously, and we head back to the market square to find lodging.
Q: Is lodging available at the Hungry Hearth? Likely Exceptional No Q: Does she offer to share? Very Likely Exceptional No
She walks with me to the Hungry Hearth, but as it was two days ago, the place is completely full. “They are all like this,” Sheria says, “but we can try the others anyway.”
-Encounter-Hostage situation- Q: Is that her quest? 50/50 Yes
So we head towards the Jester’s Cup, but along the way, I hear some shouting and see several of the Lord’s men have blockaded a section of street and are battering down a door. “Move off!” shouts a member of the town watch, and Sheria and I find another way to go around.
“Well….damn,” Sheria pouts as we reach the end of the street and she looks back towards the chaos.
“What?” I ask.
“I…needed arrest the man in that house as a favor to…well, it paid really well. That’s why I needed a partner with a sword. In case something when wrong,” she shrugs, crestfallen.
Q: Is she dressed provocatively? Unlikely No Q: Any arcane symbols? Unlikely No (My insight 14)
I look her over, “You were going to arrest someone…with a knife on your belt? No…not exactly just a knife. A crow, too…”
-History 6-
“I’m an apprentice wizard. Trained by the Iron Scholarium.” She says as I blink, cluelessly at her, and she continues, “In Kardon. Capital of Kardashev?”
“Okay. A witch,” I reply.
-Her deception 7, my insight 21-
She shakes her head, “No. A wizard. I study books,” she explains.
-Persuasion 22-
“No you don’t!” I reply, “You’re a witch. Just admit it. I’m not going to hand you over to anyone for it.”
“Fine, I’m a witch,” she replies, “but I have studied at the Iron Scholarium and I learned a spell there…before they…kicked me out because…I’m a poor student…it turns out.”
I can’t help but laugh, “So…a witch who can’t study magic, and…who just failed to collect a bounty because the town watch beat her to it?”
She sighs, “Yes. That sums it up!”
Q: Does the watch get their man? Likely No
We wait at the end of the street, watching what happens. “He’s not here!” shouts the sergeant to his men after they’ve broken inside and searched the house.
“Quick quick, go find lodging for your animals, then come back! I’m going to look for him,” Sheria urges.
“Alone?” I ask.
“No,” she explains. “Rook is going to look for him and I am going to wait for you to get back. Hurry!” she urges.
Q: Is lodging available at the Jester’s Cup? 50/50 Yes Random event, Action by Senfry Talbot Exterior Betray
I hustle away with the animals. Notice the stable is half empty so I hand the mounts over to the hand, go inside, quickly rent a room, tell the stable hand to carry my packs inside, giving him the room number, then racing down the street to where I left Sheria.
As I run towards her, she calls out, “No!”
Q: Does he get the drop on me? 50/50 Yes Q: Does he yield? 50/50 No (I burn my inspiration from having impressed Mabelle)
A well dressed man lunges out of the alley at me! He slashes my arm with his longblade, but I miss his second strike and his dagger as well! I draw steel, this man is fast! A bolt of lightning springs from Seria’s fingertips, and the man looks at her in shock, but then realizes I am the threat as I lunge at him. His blade grazes me, and then moves so quick I cannot land a counterstroke, but another jet of lightning strikes him…and remains! We continue fighting, he is slowly wearing me down, and I cannot seem to land a blow, but the lighting continues to wear at him as he curses and tries to slip down an alley, but Sheria comes up behind me using me as a shield while I keep him in check. Then he slips up, and I land two solid blows! He falls to his knees…and then collapses as the lighting gives him one last shock.
Q: Are people staring in shock? 50/50 Exceptional Yes (Sheria intimidate 22)
Sheria releases her spell, and looks around, and she smirks, “And that is how one brings in a criminal!” she announces to them all. There is a shocked murmur, but nobody moves against us as I check the injured man.
I look up at her, “The bounty wasn’t for his arrest was it?”
Q: Is it half for dead? Likely Yes
“Um…well…he didn’t surrender! He should have surrendered,” she says. Then sighs, “Can you carry him then?”
“Yeah, I can do that. In a bit,” I agree, slumping against the nearby building and unrolling a bandage to start treating one of my multiple cuts.
-Medicine passes, some healing done-
“Let me help with that,” she says, and leans over to assist.
-Roll loot-
“What did this man do, anyway?” I ask, bandaged, as we then search him, finding a letter that I hand over to Sheria. Cleaning and sheathing my weapon, I hand his to her, then throw the man over my shoulders and start carrying him. “Where are we going, anyway?”
“To the keep, of course!” she beams. I groan in dismay, and follow her to Lord Darren’s hall.
-No Encounter-
The few people who see us give us a wide berth, and any time it looks like someone is about to approach, sparks dance around Sheria’s fingers and they reconsider.
-Generate a night guard-
At the keep’s gate, an unfamiliar sergeant steps forward with his men, “Who goes there?”
-Intimidate with advantage 11-
Sheria pipes up, “A friend of Mistress Adelize!” She produces a letter from her belt and thrusting it into the sergeant’s hands as Rook lands on her shoulder once more.
“Right,” he scowls then looks at me and the dead man over my shoulders, “And who is this?”
-Persuasion 15-
“Lord Senfry Talbot,” I reply. “My departure this morning was delayed by this…thug.” I drop the man on the ground. “Mistress Sheria may have saved my life.”
Sheria blinks in surprise, and the guard takes a step back, then bow, “Forgive my, milord.”
“Please send word to Mistress…Adelize, that Mistress Sheria is here to see her. I would rather not disturb the rest of the household.” I explain.
Q: Is Adelize the only one informed? Likely Yes
-Immersion-Bubbling sounds-
Ep 7: Adelize’s Room (Th 15)
Chaos Factor: 4
Two stable hands carry the corpse inside after us while a sergeant guides us through the corridors of the palace and up into one of the towers. It is quiet inside as most of the servants have gone to sleep, though I am sure that some poor laundress is mending or cleaning someone’s clothing in the night.
The soldier knocks on a door, which opens by unknown means, and Sheria leads me into the study beyond. Or rather, a kitchen? Or laboratory? There is a bubbling cauldron over the hearth, several books on a shelf, and even more vials and tinctures. A woman wearing velvet robes with arcane runes relaxes in a chair, looking up at us.
“Sheria? I am surprised you were able to subdue your quarry. From the looks of him though, I don’t think I will get the information I need,” she scowls.
“Well, I found his hideout, but couldn’t search it because the watch moved in before I could,” Sheria apologizes. “But we found this letter on him?” she pulls it from her purse and it flies across the room into Adelize’s hand. The court witch opens and studies it.
Q: Does it have what she needs? 50/50 No Q: Does she still pay? Likely Exceptional Yes (full price instead of half, I guess, but she’ll pay in goods plus coins)
Adelize scowls, “This will entertain Lord Danyel, but it is of no consequence to me.” Then she looks us over, “Yet, you did what you could. He certainly cannot leave with what was stolen so Danyel’s men will eventually find it for me. And…you and your man certainly paid in blood to apprehend him, so…” she sighs, and waves her hand, summoning a set of small red vials from one of the shelves and onto the table in front of us. Then she pulls two small full purses from beneath her desk and a gold necklace with two black, two pink and a large green gem adorning it. “As promised.” Then she studies Sheria, “You are more capable than I had given you credit for.”
Sheria grins, “Of course. And I look forward to working with you again in the future!”
Then Adelize looks down at the corpse on the floor, “Tsk, I’ll send the servants back in to remove him. I’ve no use for a corpse. You are dismissed.”
I nod towards the wizard while Sheria happily sweeps her bounty into a sack she pulls from her satchel. As the guard leads us back outside, the two servants go and remove the dead man.
Outside the keep, Sheria stops. “So…fifty fifty is kind of hard to do when there is necklace involved.”
“I have a room at the Jester’s Cup, let’s discuss this in private,” I offer.
Q: Does she agree? Likely No
“I…don’t really know you,” she hesitates.
-Persuasion 19-
“But well enough to ask me to back you in a fight. We can settle up here,” I agree.
“No…you’re right. I’m sorry. Let’s go someplace better lit,” she agrees, and we head to the Jester’s cup.
-Encounter-Prostitute-
“Hey there!” a scantily clad woman calls to me from in front of a townhome we pass. Then she frowns on seeing that a woman is with me.
“Does that happen to you often?” Sheria asks.
“Depends on the town and the time of day,” I explain.
“Do you avail of such services?” she asks.
“Perhaps a time or two. Roads can grow lonely,” I confess.
Q: Does this offend her? 50/50 Yes
“I didn’t take you for that sort,” Sheria frowns.
Q: Are my things there? Very Likely Yes
“You took me as a man who kills people for money though. Which is worse?” I shrug as we enter the Jester’s Cup and go upstairs to my room. I quickly inspect my things to ensure the stablehand brought everything up. It all seems to be in order. Then we sit on the bed and she goes through the two purses while I examine the jeweled necklace.
“All gold,” she says, then examines the vials, “Trollblood. That will heal a cut or bruise. Save your life.”
-Neither character scores higher than a 6 on intelligence checks to appraise-
I nod, “Seen it used before. Not sure about the necklace though.”
Sheria studies it as well, “Me neither.”
Q: Will she take the necklace over the coins? Likely Yes
“I want the necklace. You can have the coins. We each take two trollbloods. Fair?” Sheria offers.
“As far as I can tell,” I agree, accepting the bargain.
Q: Does she want to partner again in the future? Likely Yes
“So, you are going to Farhold?” Sheria asks.
-Persuasion 21-
“Yes. From there, probably back to Kiddimir, but perhaps finding work along the way,” I suggest. “Since this job is done, do you want to travel with me?”
“Yes, I think so. So…you’re a lord?” she raises an eyebrow.
“Lord of nothing but my name, my sword, and my honor,” I clarify.
Q: Is she amused? Likely No
She furrows her brow, “Then why claim to be a lord?”
-Persuasion 19-
“Because it opens doors, and…I hope to become one in earnest one day. Bring back some of what my family lost so many years ago,” I explain.
She nods, “I guess I understand that. I’d like to actually be a wizard one day. Not just…feeling magic, but truly understanding it. And I hope that…somewhere in the ancient ruins that dot these lands. I will find some secret lore that lets me do that. So…I guess we are both seeking to be what we should be, but aren’t yet?”
“Perhaps that is the case. And perhaps, we can help each other achieve our dreams,” I suggest. “Now, I need to get some rest. You are at the Hungry Hearth? I will meet you out in front of the temple in the morning,” I offer.
“Alright. I will see you there,” she agrees. She pockets her two potions, dons the necklace, and then leaves. I eat something from my provisions, then lay down to get some rest.
-Threshing 16th-
-Rest recovers 3 hit points-
-Close Thread “make a friend” as Senfry now has a long term travel companion-
-Warm, cloudy with no rain, gentle breeze-
-Immersion, NPC Points at Me-
Ep 7: (Threshing 16th)
Chaos Factor: 4
I arrive in front of the temple with the horse and mule once more packed and ready to travel. I’ve eaten a full breakfast, checked my bandages, groomed the animals and then headed directly over.
As I wait for Cedulia and Sheria to arrive, a few children wander by chasing a ball. One stops and points, “What happened to him?”
“I bet it was goblins!” another replies.
Then a third yells out, “Goblins!” and starts chasing the other two and they scamper down the street. I sigh. I must look like a mess.
Q: Does Cedulia arrive on time? Likely No Q: Does Sheria arrive on time? Likely Exceptiona Yes Q: Does she have a mule? Unlikely No
“Good morning, Senfry. You’re looking a bit rough around the edges. Sure you are ready to travel?” Sheria asks with a grin.
“I’m ready to got on the road,” I reply.
“Where’s your friend?” Sheria asks.
“She’ll be along shortly,” I assure her as I give Rook a raisin from my pouch. “If you’ll watch the animals, I see if can’t fetch her from inside the temple.”
“Alright. I’ll just wait here then,” she agrees…”What are their names?”
“I’m not sure about the horse. He’s not mine, but I am returning to its owner. The mule doesn’t have a name,” I reply.
“Why not?” she asks in confusion.
Q: Does she name my mule? Likely No
“That one’s not worthy of one, yet,” I shrug, then head inside the temple.
Q: Is Cedulia ready to travel? Likely Exceptional No Q: Will she be released at all today? Unlikely No
Entering the temple, I ask a novice about Cedulia.
“I’m sorry, but Mother Helisa has need of her today. Please come back tomorrow,” the novice replies.
Q: Can I speak with Cedulia? Likely No
I scowl, “Can I speak with Cedulia, at least?”
“I’m sorry, but she is undergoing ritual purification for her journey and is not to be disturbed,” the novice replies.
Q: Does the novice know? Unlikely No
“When will she be released to travel?” I ask.
“I am not sure. Whenever Mother Helisa is convinced she is ready for her mission,” the novice replies.
I shake my head, turn and leave.
“So, where is your ward?” Sheria asks.
“Undergoing some sort of purification ritual. We won’t be leaving town today,” I explain.
“Oh! Well…that’s frustrating. What will you do?” she asks.
“Well, unload the animals and reclaim my room. Then there is an armorer in town, I believe. After that, just wait at the Jester’s Cup,” I shrug.
Q: Will she switch lodging? Very Likely Yes
“I’ll switch to the Jester’s as well. So we don’t have to go looking for each other.” she suggests. We both then head back to the inn.
-Thief bump, accidental-
Walking through the busy streets, a tradesmen inadvertently bumps against me, “Sorry friend,” he mutters. I nod as I check for my purse. Everything is in place, so we continue on our way, lodge the animals once more, carry my things back inside and Sheria rents a room for herself. Afterwards, we head back out into the street to find the armorer shop.
The sign in front of the shop depicts an iron shield in the shape of a heart, wielded by a skinny looking dwarf. On entering the shop, I see why! A lanky dwarven smith and his two assistants are busy at work crafting a piece. One of the apprentices approaches me, “Welcome to Iron Heart. How can we help you?” he asks.
“Looking for better quality armor,” I reply. “Studded leather like this only…crafted by a master. Perhaps, a dwarven one?” I ask.
Q: Does he have it in stock? Likely No
The apprentice chuckles, “Well, the master doesn’t focus his attention on leather curaisses, but leaves that to me. But even my work is better than what you’ve got. No offence to the man who made it,” the younger dwarf smirks.
-My Persuasion 9-
“Well, let’s see what you have,” I reply. The dwarf and I take a look at his inventory and he does have a sturdy looking suit of studded leather armor. It is much thicker in the chest than human crafted. While I try to talk him down, he wants fifty crowns for it, and I am willing to pay it, as I’d rather not carry so much coin anyway.
-Encounter Redrock Gang-Q: Do they know who we are? Unlikely No (Insight 20)
Walking back towards the inn, a trio of rough looking men approach us, “Hey, how about a friendly contribution to…um… people in need?” One of the men sneers.
-Intimidation 16-
“How about you look for trouble you can handle?” Sheria grins, as sparks dance between her fingertips. My hand goes to my blade.
“Have a nice day, mistress,” another of the men nods, grabbing the first fellow by the shoulder and directing the party past us, giving us as wide a berth as the street allows.
“That could’ve gotten nasty,” I mutter.
“I’m just not feeling particularly charitable this morning,” she shrugs. “Not enough to donate to that sort.” I nod agreement, and soon, we arrive back at the Jester’s Cup where I stow my older armor in my mule’s pack. Then we relax in the ale room for lunch and to simply discuss our travels in this land.
-Immersion-Sheria smiles to herself-
Ep 7: Jester’s Mug (Th 16th)-New character, loyal, influential
Chaos Factor: 4
Sitting at the the table, I notice Sheria smiling to herself, “You seem amused,” I point out, sipping from my tankard.
“You’re not the reckless sort, are you?” she asks.
I shake my head, “Recklessness gets you killed. Keep your head, choose your fights, live to walk away.”
“A cowards way,” the serving wench interjects placing bowls of pottage on our table. “That’s the sort of thing deserters say…right before they’re hanged for abandoning their friends.”
I glance up at her, raise an eyebrow, and explain “Deserting one’s unit, and choosing the time and place of battle are hardly the same thing.”
“That’s a thinking man’s way! Logic of a captain, not a coward,” a well dressed man chimes in rising from a nearby table, and walking over to ours with tankard in hand. I beckon for him to sit. “Sir Gundwin. And you are?”
“Lord Senfry Talbot,” I reply. Gesturing towards my companion, I add “This is my witch, Sheria.”
Q: Does Nadia back away? Likely Exceptional No Q: Is Sheria amused by my introduction? Likely No Q: Does she say anything? Unlikely Yes (another New NPC! Combative Ambush)
“I’m not your witch,” Sheria replies. “I’m your business partner.”
“But you are a witch, yes?” Sir Gundwin asks.
Q: Will she admit to being a witch? Very Likely Yes
“Of course I’m a what you call a witch. I studied magic in the Iron Scholarium,” she scoffs.
Q: Does he give her good advice? Likely No
The knight snorts derisively, “Watch yourself with that talk, woman.”
“Arrest her! She’s a witch!” another patron chimes in, “If she’s not in a lord’s service she must be arrested! And questioned! She could be in league with demons!”
-Persuasion 5-
“As I was saying, she is my house witch. I vouch for her,” I reiterate.
-Gundwin Intimidate 17-
“I think you should come with me, mistress,” the knight stands.
-Intimidate 12-
Sheria glares at me as she rise to her feet. I tell the barmaid, “We’ll be back as soon as we’ve cleared things up with Lord Darren and Mistress Adelize.” Then turning to the knight, I shrug, “Lead the way.”
Gundwin smirks, then gestures for us to walk along with him. The man he was sitting with, another knight no doubt, falls in behind and we head towards the keep. “Well, why did you have to say I was a witch?” Sheria asks.
“Makes things easier when there are no surprises, and had you agreed that you were my court witch, we’d still be enjoying our meals right now,” I explain. “One cannot display talents like yours with impunity, so…we’ll take care of it now at Lord Darren’s court.”
“How long has she been in your service anyway?” Sir Gundwin asks.
-Persuasion 17-
“We met last night, doing some work for Mistress Adelize. That’s who gave her the necklace she is wearing right now,” I point out, slipping my signet ring back onto my finger, “Bringing in some thug who gave me these cuts.”
Q: Is a familiar sergeant at the keep? 50/50 Exceptional No
The knight glances at the piece, “Oh.”
The guard at the gate is not familiar to me, but we pass through without incident and are led inside the keep to Lord Darren’s Hall.
Q: Does Lord Danyel hear our case? Likely Yes (move away from thread, find work)
We are lead to Lord Danyel’s office and he looks up in surprise on seeing me, “Lord Senfry Talbot? I thought you left town.”
“I was supposed to, but Mother Helise won’t release my ward to travel, so Sheria and I have been finding other work, as it were,” I gesture towards my companion.
“He says that she’s his court witch and that they did some work for Adelize,” Sir Gundwin announces.
Q: Does he provide papers? Likely No
Lord Danyel smirks, “So…you are the ones who brought in Mandevelle last night? Cut up, and burnt with arcane fire? We wanted him alive for questioning.”
“He came at me with cold steel. We put him down,” I explain.
“Adelize paid us what she promised! So we can’t have done too bad a job of it,” Sheria protests.
Danyel drums his fingers on the table, “I don’t want the two of you hunting bounties in Truestone anymore. At least, not capture ones. If we need you to kill someone, fine. But I don’t trust your abilities to bring someone in alive.”
“Fine by me!” Sheria declares. “As long as we are paid for jobs we agree to take. We are planning on moving on soon. As soon as his ward is ready to leave,” Sheria announces.
Q: Does he ask why I didn’t return to the keep? Likely Yes
“When you learned your ward couldn’t travel, why didn’t you return to the keep and ask to stay in the guest room again?” Lord Danyel raises an eyebrow.
-Persuasion 22-
“There was room in an inn. I would have never imposed upon your hospitality in the first place had the inns not been full. As gracious as your house has been, I am loathe to take advantage of your generosity when there is no way for me to repay it in the foreseeable future,” I offer. “All I can give is my gratitude to you, your grandfather and your house.”
Q: Would he like to invite me back? Very Likely Yes
Lord Danyel smiles, “I would invite you back, but your early return would raise questions. So…please, on your return trip, stay with us again.”
“And my companion?” I gesture towards Sheria.
Q: Is she welcome as well? Very Likely Yes
“Your court witch? Of course, as long as she is travelling by your side, she is welcome too,” Lord Danyel replies. Then he looks up at the knight, “Thank you for bringing them in to verify who they are. They are free to travel within Truestone lands.”
“Yes, my lord,” Sir Gundwin bows.
We bow to Lord Danyel as well, then Sir Gundwin leads us away and Lord Danyel returns to his work.
Q: Does Gundwin apologize? Likely Exceptional No
Outside, Sir Gundwin warns us, “You could have warned me you knew Lord Danyel and had been staying at the keep.”
-Persuasion 13-
I sigh, “And would you have believed me?”
Sir Gundwin scowls, and he and his companion depart while Sheria and I head back to the Jester’s cup.
Q: Does she agree to pretend to be my court witch? Likely Exceptional Yes
“So…if you are a noble, and I am your court witch, that means, we don’t always have to stay in taverns. Sometimes we can stay in the houses of great lords?” Sheria asks.
“Yes. And your use of magic is considered to be authorized by the crown in service to my house. No need for the church or the local lord to question you about it,” I explain.
“Well in that case, I am house Talbot’s court witch!” she decides with a laugh. I grin at her as we continue on to the inn.
-Encounter-lost child-
Walking through the town, we encounter a young boy crying, “Where’s my mommy! Have you seen my mommy?” he is asking passers by.
“What does your mommy look like?” I ask the child.
“No, what was she wearing? A colorful dress? A scarf?” Sheria kneels down to talk to the child.
Q: Can he give a good description? Unlikely No
“She wears a dress and it’s brown…” he sniffles.
Sheria smirks, then stands against the wall of a nearby shop, “Make sure nobody runs into me,” she asks, and I see her eyes roll back as she stands perfectly still. Rook leaves her shoulder and begins circling overhead, then sweeping up and down nearby alleys.
Q: Can Rook find her? Likely Yes
Suddenly, Sherias eyes recover and she can move again, “This way,” she says.
I pick up the child and follow her through a nearby alley and to a yard area where a woman is calling, “Hunfrei!”
The boy yells out, “Momma!” and I set him down so he can run to her while Rook returns from his circling and perches on Sheria’s shoulder once more.
Q: Does she thank us? Likely No
The woman begins scolding the boy for having run away and gotten lost. With a shrug, Sheria and I leave them to it and head back to the Jester.
Q: Are our tankards waiting? 50/50 Exceptional No
When we return the tavern wench gives us a surprised look and stands there, speechless.
“Two ales,” I nod, and we sit down at a free table, and let her bring us fresh drinks. “You…didn’t save our ales for our return.” I note.
Q: Does she apologize? Likely Yes
“Forgive me…milord,” she stammers.
I nod, “Please…don’t doubt my word in the future…mistress…?”
“Nadia,” she replies with a gulp.
“Thank you, Nadia,” I reply with a smile. Then I turn to Sheria and we continue our conversation from before.
-Events creaking floorboards-conversation topics, rewards-
As we talk, the floorboards above us creak ominously, and glancing up, “I wonder exactly how big whoever is staying in that room might be?”
“Half ogre, you think?” Sheria suggests.
“Perhaps. Think I saw one going to the quarry with another chain of slaves the other day. A freed one would certainly shift some floorboards,” I agree.
Sheria nods, “So, you can call me your court witch if that’s going to help us out, but when it comes to business, we’re still partners right? Fifty fifty. Not, you get the gold and the glory and pay me a stipend, right?”
“Of course. I can’t afford servants or attendants anyway. Best if we are partners. When we are together, you are my court witch. If we part company, well…claim it if it might help avoid trouble, or not. Makes no matter to me as long as you don’t dishonor my family’s name.” I offer.
She smirks, “Very well then. House Talbot’s court witch it is.”
-Dice the game outcomes-
We spend the rest of the evening relaxing. I even go upstairs to fetch my chess set, and we enjoy a few games. We are about evenly matched, but I win two of the three games. Eventually, we each retire to our rooms for rest, wishing each other a good night.
-Threshing 17th-
-Warm, intermittent rain in the evening, fair wind-
-3 hit points recovered-
-NPC pokes me-
Ep 7: Departure? (Threshing 17)-Alter-Character exits scene
Chaos Factor: 4
“Is that still tender?” Sheria asks, checking my bandages and poking at a bruise.
“Yes, still tender,” I reply, wincing a bit, then pulling my shirt back on after letting her help dress the injuries.
“Is your friend going to be ready to travel today? Because if she isn’t, a few more days of rest would serve you well,” she observes.
“I agree, but we are running on her schedule not mine, so let’s head over to the temple and find out. If she is ready to travel, we can retrieve the mounts and go. If not, it’s another day of relaxing at the tavern,” I explain.
“Well, I’ll be in the markets Find me after you figure things out,” she replies, then leaves my room.
I head down for breakfast.
Q: Does anyone approach during breakfast? Unlikely Yes Q: Tavern staff? 50/50 Yes
“I just want to apologize again for last night, milord,” Nadia says as she sets my plate down for me. “I was out of line.”
-Persuasion 14- Q: Will she confess? Likely No
“Why though? Why insult a stranger?” I ask.
“I just…,” she shrugs her shoulders and walks away, shaking her head. I shrug and eat breakfast. Then I head out to towards the market square and the temple, bringing my jewelry with me instead of leaving it in my room.
-No Encounter- Q: Is Cedulia ready to go today? Likely No Q: May I speak with her? Unlikely No
I quickly arrive at the temple, and ask about Cedulia, and they explain that she is still undergoing instruction and cannot speak with me. I shake my head, and head towards the armorer’s instead.
-Encounter-soldiers being harassed-
Along the way, I see a group of children, dressed in rags, throwing rocks at a couple of Truestone soldiers, laughing, then scampering away with the soldiers in angry pursuit. I shake my head. They’ll never catch the lads.
Back at the Iron heart, I ask to speak to the master.
Q: Will the master talk to me? Likely Yes
“Good morning, my lord,” the dwarf says, on noticing the signet ring that I now wear openly for Sheria’s sake. “What brings you to my establishment today? A suit of mail for the grand tournament coming soon?”
“Nothing so grand. I am admiring the quality of your apprentices work in this vest that I wear. I wondered though, could I persuade you to make one better? I am on the road to Farhold, and could pick it up on my return,” I suggest.
Q: Is he willing? Very Likely Yes (asking 120, 20% markup)
“That could certainly be done for, say 120 crowns?” he raises an eyebrow.
-Persuasion 11- (offering 68, a heavy discount)
“Who carries that kind of coin, perhaps this bracelet with these three stones, and this pair of earrings in trade?” I offer.
“That is hardly a fair offer,” he shakes his head with a chuckle, “But I see you are no spendthrift. Sweeten the offer and we will see.”
-Persuasion 23-(offering 100 gp, correct price for dwarven masterwork studded)
I remove the armor I purchased yesterday, “I’ve worn this yesterday evening and this morning. Never used in combat. The bracelet in your hands today, this armor back on the racks for sale, and ten crowns,” I suggest.
He picks up the bracelet, looks it over carefully, then slips it into his purse along with the ten coins I draw out. His apprentice puts yesterday’s armor back on the shelf, and we write up an agreement that the armor he crafts will be picked up by the bearer of the letter. Then he gets back to work while one of his apprentices takes my measurements. He checks the numbers before I leave, and then I depart.
-Drunk-
As I head back towards the jester’s cup, man reeking of alcohol bumps into me on the crowded street. As we each check our purses, he suddenly yells out, “Thief! This man robbed me!”
Q: Does anyone pay attention? Likely Exceptional Yes
This immediately draws the attention of a nearby watchman, “What’s going on here!” demands a young soldier about my age.
I glare at the man accusing me, who looks to be a simple laborer, and then face the watchman while the drunkard continues his accusations, “This man stole my purse!”
-Persuasion 23 (rolled with advantage)-
I shake my head, “Lord Senfry Talbot,” I nod to the man. “I believe this man is drunk, and that his purse likely fell from his own belt, or was stolen before we came in contact this morning.”
Studying my appearance, noticing the ring on my finger, and the quality of my blade, the soldier bows his head briefly, “Thank you milord.” Then turning to the drunk, “Sober up, you fool! Drunk before lunch! I should lock you up for that!”
Q: Is the drunkard cowed? Likely No
The drunkard yells back, “He robbed me! Aren’t you going to do anything!”
The watchman grabs him by one ear and leads him away while the man howls in pain and protest.
-Topic Fame- Q: Does she want to be famous? 50/50 No
I shake my head, retire to the inn, check on my animals, then retreat to my room for the rest of the day, only coming out to eat. That evening, it rains a bit, but not much. At the end of the day, Sheria and I enjoy another few rounds of chess, “As a lord, I suppose you want people to learn your name and tremble in fear on hearing it?” Sheria observes.
“Not particularly. I want my house’s name to be known as just and honorable. And I want a holding of my own, but aside from my liege, his court and my tenants, I really don’t care if people in the greater world learn my name. It doesn’t matter, as long as those who know it, respect it. I’d rather not be feared. Even by my enemies.” I shrug.
“You don’t want your enemies to fear you?” she raises an eyebrow.
“Of course not. If they fear me, they hide. If they do not, then they make foolish mistakes and I can put them in the ground,” I shrug. “I mean, I’d rather have no enemies at all, but if I have them, I wish them an early grave.”
Q: Does she protest my statement? Likely Yes
“But if your enemies don’t fear you, they are more likely to attack your hold!” she protests.
I nod, “You are right. I suppose a certain amount of fear is a good thing. I just…don’t really think about it that much. It seems so far away…nearly unattainable, that such matters will be of concern to me. And fear did keep a pack of worgs away. I suppose, I should want enemies to fear me, and everyone to respect me. What about you? What do you wish to be known for?”
“I don’t wish to be known. I wish to learn. A wizard whose might is known draws too much attention,” she explains.
“But if people know you, won’t your enemies fear to attack you?” I turn her own objection against her.
“That is true, but worse, you’re friends want you to perform miracles that nudge against, and past the limits of your power. Easier to remain unknown,” she offers.
I grin, “But if I am famous, would not my court witch become famous as well.”
Q: Does she tease about bailing before then? 50/50 No Q: Does she object to remaining in my service that long? Unlikely No
“We’ll cross that bridge when we find it, but I think a great many people cannot name the court wizard of their own liege, much less one attached to a village lord,” she smirks.
“Fair enough,” I nod. We chat a bit longer and then eventually retire to our own rooms for sleep.
-Add Thread-Pick up Masterwork Dwarven Studded Leather from Iron Heart after Threshing 24th-
-Threshing 18th-
-Warm, Cloudy, No Rain, Gentle breeze-
-See something forgotten/discarded that cheers me up- (roll a trinket)
Q: Is Cedulia ready on the 18th? Likely Yes Q: Did Mother Helise adjust Cedulia’s attitude? Very Likely No
Ep 7: Finally! (Threshing 18th)
Chaos Factor: 4
Walking towards the temple with Sheria, I spot an old key lying half wedged beneath a water trough, like it was dropped, kicked away and forgotten. It’s been there awhile, judging from the grime on it. I smile. “What’s that?” Sheria asks.
“An old key. I hope whoever owned it figured out how to unlock whatever it belongs to,” I shrug, then drop it into my pouch.
“Why are you keeping it?” she asks.
“Maybe it’ll fit something later. If not, I can melt it down later. Never know when a key might come in handy,” I shrug.
Arriving at the temple, Cedulia is waiting outside with her things, “There you are!” she exclaims.
“I have come by each morning,” I shrug.
“You’re wounded? Again? What happened?” she asks pulling me inside the temple out of view of the street.
“My friend, Sheria, and I had a run in with a criminal, and he was a better sword than I thought at first. Fortunately, she saved my life,” I nod towards Sheria, who smirks proudly.
-Cedulia reaction 19-
Cedulia glances at her, then grins, “I hope you will be travelling with us then? Any friend of Senfry’s is a friend of mine.”
Q: Does Sheria like this? Nearly Certain Yes
“I have been looking forward to it, and to meeting you. Sister Cedulia?” she asks. Cedulia nods, then focusing on my injuries, places her hand on my chest, loses herself in prayer for a moment, and as her hands glow blue, the rest of my injuries fade almost completely away.
“Alright then, let’s…I guess, go get your animals?” Cedulia asks, looking puzzled.
“I got tired of loading everything up just be told you were in contemplation or something and I couldn’t even talk to you. They are at the inn. Let’s go, load them up and leave,” I suggest to her agreement.
Q: Does she offer reimbursement? Likely Exceptional No
We head back to the inn, collect my animals, pack everything, and are soon heading towards the town gates.
-Barbarian encounter, belligerent bump- Q: Does he speak Norgard? 50/50 Exceptional Yes
As we are heading out, we are jostled by passers by at the gate, and one, a craglander, I guess turns, “You bumped into me! Apologize!”
-Persuasion 20-
“I’m sorry,” I nod lightly.
Q: Does he let it go? Very Likely No
He blinks in surprise, “Well…alright then. Ummm…my name’s Borik.”
“Lord Senfry Talbot. This is Sister Cedulia, and my advisor, Sheria,” I introduce my companions.
-Topic, the pc-
“You are a lord? And you just…apologize? To a foreigner?” he asks.
“The street is crowded. We bumped into each other. I don’t know if it was your fault or mine. No harm was done. I have a long road to travel and I’d rather not waste time arguing over…nothing,” I shrug.
“If you hadn’t apologized, I’d have struck you down!” Borik thunders.
I shrug, “Perhaps….anyway, have a nice day. The road calls.”
Q: Does he follow? Very Unlikely No
He furrows his brow, and is still standing there when we exit the town gates and finally resume our journey towards Farhold.
-Morning encounter-No Encounter-
Q: Well received at Millreach? Likely No (Generate guard)
We arrive at the village of Millreach where we hope to stop for lunch, but a guard halts us at the gate. “Why are two young women wandering the lands with this lout?” a guard sneers at the village gate. “I can show you a better time if you linger the night.”
Q: Does Sheria object? Very Likely Yes
“You realize she’s a priestess, yes?” Sheria interjects, indicating Sister Cedulia.
Q: Does Cedulia chastise him? Likely No
“Pah, not a married one,” the guard gestures towards Cedulia’s hand. “I can more than fill her needs! Yours as well,” he grins lasciviously winking at Sheria.
“You embarrass your lord,” I shake my head as I lead the animals past him, “Come on,” I tell my companions.
“Now that’s a real man!” he scoffs as I walk past him.
“You know, being feared really cuts down on that sort of thing,” Sheria suggests.
“It’s nothing but words from a fool,” I shake my head as I tether the animals outside an inn with the image of an ox at a treadmill. Let’s eat.”
-no village enounter- Q: Does anyone trouble us inside? Unlikely Yes (Neutral behavior)
“Hey there,” the wench winks as she brings us out tankards, and each a plate with a pork pie, bread, cheese and a baked apple, “where are you travelling?”
“Farhold,” Cedulia replies. “Who is the fool guarding the gate?”
“Fool guarding the gate? That could be any number of fools who guard the gate,” she laughs.
I hear the sound of cards being shuffled, and notice a game going on in the corner. Following my gaze, the wench offers, “They often play here. Occasionally, we get a minstrel come through, but there is almost always a card game happening.”
“Seems a bit early in the day,” I suggest.
She shrugs, “What else are old men going to do while their sons are in the fields.”
“Help them?” I suggest. She rolls her eyes and gets back to work.
Q: Do they look healthy enough to work? Likely Exceptional Yes
Sheria glances over at the old men. Then shares a smirk with me, “Lazy looking lot.”
“What is the second vice,” Cedulia mutters.
-Religion 10, Sheria Religion 15-
“Sloth,” Sheria announces proudly as she shares a piece of her pie with Rook.
Q: Does Cedulia get up to confront them? Likely No
Cedulia looks towards the men, and I can see her struggling between her duty to warn them, and the fact that it really isn’t any of her business what they are doing right now, since she is just passing through and doesn’t know them at all. “Enjoy lunch! Forty mile from Truestone to…Blackreed? I think I was told. If we make good time, we can reach it today, and then Faithstone tomorrow evening. If we dawdle, it costs us a day,” I remind her.
She sighs and we quickly finish our meals, then watering and feeding the animals, get back on the road.
-Encounter-Peddlar- (d6, outbound) (Generate peddlar, check for unusual goods) -Neutral-
We leave the village about the same time as a peddlar. He has a large pack likely filled with various trade goods, plus a fair number of wood working tools hanging from the outside. “Oh, fellow travelers!” he observes, “An armed traveler as well, perhaps you don’t mind if I walk alongside you to Redmud?”
“By all means, join us. I am Sister Cedulia. That is Lord Senfry Talbot, and our friend Sheria” Cedulia introduces us.
“Senfry Talbot is fine. The lord part is only useful in courts and such,” I interject, removing my signet ring and once more lacing it through a cord to wear around my neck. I am grateful that Sheria is handling the animals for me while we walk.
Q: Does he ask about the animals? Likely No -Topic-Parents-
“But Lord? Your parents are nobles then. I’ve not heard of the Talbots. Where are their holdings?” the man asks.
I laugh, “Zar Vekhul for the last century. Castle Talbot overlooks a nice little bay against the Sturgis Sea. It’s port once bustled with fishing boats. Or so I’m told. Now, my brothers serve Baron Conrely in southern Norgard, and I…am seeking my fortune here in the west. What of yours? Peddlars as well? And you have not told us your name.”
Q: Was his father a peddlar? Likely No Q: Is the old man alive? Likely Exeptional No
“Forgive me then, my name is Fulque. No, my father was a carpenter and teaching me his trade, but he died before I was grown. The man who took over his shop kicked me out, and…I took what little I had and began trading my services across the land, mending fences, building houses, and so forth. I sell whatever goods I am paid in, but mostly trade my labor in villages that don’t have a carpenter living there. I’m not technically a master, but I think my work is as good as any guild marked tradesman.” he shrugs.
Q: Has Fulque ever been to Kiddimir? Likely No (Event, PC Negative-Fame Punish) Q: Does Sheria share her past? Unlikely Yes Q: Are her parents alive? Unlikely No Q: Does she have siblings? Unlikely No
The three of us continue chatting, Cedulia talks about growing up in Stenchbog, which Fulque has never heard of.
-Sheria’s persuasion 18-
“I grew up in Addertongue, north of the Black Marsh in Kardashev,” Sheria says when her turn comes. “When I was about ten, the village priest realized I could weave magic,” she explains, letting bits of lightning dance between her fingers for a moment to Cedulia and Fulque’s surprise. “So I was sent to the Iron Scholarium in Kardon to study under the kingdom’s greatest wizards! But…I am a very poor student it turns out, and I kept getting in trouble for failing tests about how magic works. I only ever learned one spell through study, but…some magic…it just comes to me,” she shrugs. “My parents died on the road, coming to visit me in the great city for my eighteenth birthday. A short time later, I left the school. There was nothing for me there. So I came here, for I read in the ancient histories that this land was once filled with magic. And I thought, perhaps here, I might learn what I cannot understand from books.”
“Oh…um…so…you’re a witch?” Fulque’s asks.
“A court witch? Right? For House Talbot?” Cedulia looks between Sheria and I questioningly.
“That is the case. I trust her with my life, for she has saved it once already,” I nod agreement. Cedulia smiles, reassured.
“But if you are from Kardashev, how do you speak our tongue so well?” Fulque’s asks.
“Oh, I don’t,” Sheria laughs. “But Rook hears your words and thinks what they mean for me, then guides me on how to shape my words in return. It is…the most useful magic I know!”
Q: Does conversation continue? Likely No
After this, revelation, Fulque falls silent. Cedulia does as well. Sheria shoots me a sidelong glance and we shrug shoulders at each other, but press on.
-Immersion-Memory Sidekick- (negative start to the scene triggered by the punish fame prompt) (generate Redmud)
Ep 7: Redmud (Th 18th)-interrupt, current scene-disrupt object
Chaos Factor: 4
As we draw close to Redmud, Fulque quickens his pace to enter the village well ahead of us. Sheria scowls, “Reminds me of when I was a youth, and other children would run ahead to tattle on me if they saw me do anything strange.”
I sigh, “I suspect that is exactly what he is doing.” I glance over at Cedulia, “Perhaps we should go around and just continue on our way?”
Cedulia calls out to Fulque, “You dropped something!”
Q: Does he immediately stop? Likely-No Q: Does Cedulia want to bypass? Very Unlikely No -Move away from thread to Marry Well
He glances back, but keeps running ahead. Cedulia shakes her head, “If he is going to tell the lord there is a witch coming to the village, and we go around, it just feeds suspicion.”
Q: Does he say anything to the guard? Unlikely Exceptional No Q: Does he ask waht the hurry is? Likely Yes
Fulque runs right past the guard, who calls him by name, gives him a puzzled look, then looks at us. I slip my signet ring back onto my finger as I suspect I will soon need it. “So, what’s eating him?” the guard asks.
-d3 who responds-
“He’s afraid of witches,” Cedulia replies, “likely going to warn the lord of this village one is coming.”
The guard looks between us, studies Sheria and asks, “Her?”
Sheria throws up her hands, “Yes, me! Court witch to House Talbot…which is him.” I raise my hand, showing the signet ring.
The guard chuckles, “Best go announce yourself to Lord Valque then. I’m sure he and his son, Warrenfried, will be eager to talk to you.”
Q: Is Valque being laughed off? 50/50 No
We thank the guard, and proceed towards the manor house off the village square. Sure enough, Valque is disappearing through the door already. We shortly hand our animals over to a stable hand and I straighten myself up and knock on the door, which opens immediately.
-Reaction with advantage (due to the lord’s peculiarities), friendly-
“Lord Talbot, I presume? And this is your witch?” the well dressed steward asks on opening the door, “Please! Lord Valque welcomes you, and prays you will stay the night rather than pressing on today as many travellers often do.”
“I am honored by your lord’s generosity,” I nod, then we follow him inside where he leads us to the lord’s hall.
-Falque’s History-25-Positive regard-Senfry History 24-
Falque blanches at the sight of us, but the nobleman, about twice my age smiles on seeing us. Turning to the peddlar, “Thank your for your warning. It is always helpful to have a friendly eye on the road lest danger take us unawares. You are dismissed.” He waves off the peddlar, who bows repeatedly as he warily backs away past us and heads outside. Then looking to me, “Lord Talbot? Heir to Duke Talbot, who gave his life at the battle of Orange Springs, allowing my house, among many others, to escape through the Ardent Pass. I hear he was a worthy liege to my ancestors.”
“House Valque? House LaValque…of Vakas manor off the Sturgis Sea?” I smile as our host nods.
Then he laughs as he rises, and takes my hand, “How may I help you?”
“I am escorting Sister Cedulia here to Farhold, but the road is long. Your steward mentioned you might be willing to lodge us for the night?” I suggest.
“Of course! Of course, and…this young lady is…your court witch?” the noble asks.
“Sheria, milord,” Sheria bows lightly. “And my companion, Rook.”
“A familiar? Very nice!” the noble beams. “Warrenfried, a familiar!” he gestures towards the young man who was sitting to his right.
The pudgy, cloudy eyed Warrenfried rises, “Can you see through its eyes?”
“Yes, if I focus, and stop looking through my own,” Sheria replies.
Q: Does he ask for the spell? Very Likely No
“Amazing!” the younger man whispers.
“So…you will stay with us tonight, join us for dinner, and continue your journey in the morning, yes?” Valque asks.
“I am humbled by your hospitality. My animals?” I raise an eyebrow.
“Levitt, bring in their goods and see that the animals are well tended. Have the guest rooms prepared, baths drawn. Everything!” he exclaims excitedly.
Q: Is Cedulia unnerved by Sheria’s appearance? Likely No Q: Is Sheria unnerved by Cedulia’s appearance? Likely No
The servant then leads us to a pair of well appointed guest rooms, one for me, and one for Sheria and Cedulia to share. A short time later, I am soaking in a warm bath, and then I dress for court. On leaving my room, I am surprised to see Sheria actually has proper attire that she tells me was her own, while Cedulia is once more in her priestly robes.
Q: Is Jeuel also a caster? Likely Exceptional No -Topic, Parents-
At dinner, we meet Lady Lezeline, seated left of her husband and to my right, and Jacque’s daughter, Lady Jeuel, who is seated beside me on my left. At Lord Valque’s right is his son, then Sheria, surprisingly, and finally Cedulia. As the servants bring out plates of roasted mutton, a small bowl of grapes is set between Warrenfried and Sheria, which the heir indicates are for Rook!
We spend the better part of the evening discussing our various families lineages, catching up on what happened to the LaValque’s and the Talbot houses following the fall. I explain our family’s steady decline while he reveals that the LeValque’s came across with the first wave of colonists, the older heir following Baron Kirn in establishing Oldenfall, and his descendents still ruling the village of Riverbell, while his own grandfather followed Lord Darren, and later founded Redmud. The two branches each continue to serve their chosen lords.
Q: Is Jeuel inappropriate at dinner? Likely Exceptional No (Warrenfried Persuasion 23) Q: Is Cedulia left out of the conversation? Likely Yes (Random event, close a thread-Pick up Masterwork Dwarven Studded Leather from Iron Heart on Threshing 24th (Indulge Vulnerability)
Throughout dinner, Jeuel listens intently to our conversation while Warrenfried quietly chats with Sheria. Cedulia asks a few questions about pilgrims passing through, but cannot redirect either conversation in any meaningful way as all attention is either on the legacy of noble houses and what fates befell our old allies after the rise of Zar Vekhul, or Theria telling Warrenfried about the Iron Scholarium and how magic is taught in Kardashev.
“So, your family has fallen on hard times, and only one of you three brothers has mail and a horse?” Lord LaValque asks.
“That is true, but we have our honor. There is nothing greater,” I assert. “And the dwarven smith in Iron Heart is crafting a better suit of leather for me.”
Q: Does he have a gift? Unlikely Exceptional No
“Dorvas the Younger? Might I send someone for it, and you collect it from me on your return trip, for there are greater wards for one’s life than mere mail…or boiled leather, as it were,” he offers.
I pull my receipt from my pouch, then sign over a note that LeValque’s representative can retrieve it on my behalf. He passes the note to his steward with a smile. A short time later, dinner concludes. Theria and Warrenfried retire to the library, and .
Q: Does Jeuel wish to visit? Likely Yes -topic family- Q: Are her parents supportive? Unlikely Yes
“Would you mind keeping me company for a bit?” Lady Jeuel asks. I notice that her parents nod approval, so I agree and we set up a chess board in the dining hall to share a game, while Cedulia retires to her guest room. “So, you are unmarried?”
-Persuasion 11- Q: Does jeuel seek marriage? Likely No
“I shall likely remain unmarried until I earn my spurs and claim some land,” I explain.
Q: Does she come on to me? Likely No
“I find the prospect of marriage entirely…dull. The same person, night after night, while…in your travels, you must meet a great many women. You travel with two. Which do you like more?” she asks.
“They are friends, nothing more. And even if I held them dearer than that, it would not benefit my children to be lowborn. It is the end of our house if no sons are born who can carry our name,” I explain.
-Jeuel Insight 21-
“Boring! There is a great amount of pleasure that can be shared between lovers without bringing bastards into the world,” Lady Jeuel suggests. “But I sense that you are not the sort who indulges in such things.”
-Persuasion 21-
“That is correct, and certainly not with the daughter of such a generous host as your father,” I explain.
She smirks with a chuckle, “Well, perhaps you might change your mind on another visit.”
We play three rounds of chess while drinking wine, discussing matters of love and…the means of making love for she is apparently very well versed in the subject. I defeat her in twice. She is a good player, though…perhaps I might have defeated her all three games had she been a little less forthright about how she preferred to be handled in bed.
After our games, I bid her goodnight, and then retire to my guest room, and soon drift off to sleep.
-Add thread: Pick up Dwarven Studded Leather +1 from Lord Levasque in Redmud after Threshing 25-
-Move away on marriage thread-added note that Jeuel of Redstone-Marriage prospect, disinterested-
-Add thread-Lord Warrenfried of Redmud owes Sheria a 1st level spell in exchange for having been taught Find Familiar
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