–Episode 8–
-Threshing 19th-
-clear skies, warm, decent wind-
-See something crafted and strangely lit-
Ep 8: Crossing the Hinterlands (Threshing 19th)
Chaos Factor: 4
The next morning, we bid our hosts farewell, and I promise to return to LeValque’s home on my way back to Kiddimir. “My house owes its very existence to yours. I will write my cousin that you are here, and she will welcome you in her home as well. Here, take this, as a token of our gratitude,” he presses as tiny replica lantern into my hand, and flips is open, allowing a bright light to radiate out of it. “Sister LeValque, lady of Riverbell, made this for me. Perhaps it might aid you in your travels more than it aids me in my wine cellar.”
“I am most honored, and grateful, My Lord,” I bow to my host.
With that, we bid our final farewells, and lead my horse and mule away as our company departs.
-Morning Encounter-Wolf tracks on the trail-
-Afternoon Encounter-Ogres (Gathering team-2 female, 1 child, 200 yards, maintenance) (Hostile)
As we are crossing the wilds between Redmud and Faithstone, I spot a trio of ogres some distance away at the edge of a creek. The two adults, both female, stand up and study us from a distance. We pause and stare at them as well. “Ogres?” asks Sheria.
“Yes,” interjects Cedulia. “But not warriors from the looks of it. Are those fishing baskets?”
I nod, tugging the reins of our animals, “Let’s go.”
Rook takes flight, and begins circling overhead, “Tell me if you see anything!” Sheria calls up to the bird, which wobbles in the air but doesn’t cry out.
Q: Is there a beggar outside? Likely Exceptional No Q: Do the guards stop and question us? Unlikely No
A short time later, we reach cultivated fields once more and soon reach the village of Black Reed.
-Village No Encounter-
We enter the village, and approach the small inn where I hand the animals over to a stable hand while the rest of us head inside. The sign depicts a dwarf wearing golden clothing. Inside, a musician plays while a very stout looking young woman tends bar, and another woman takes drinks to tables. We soon have tankards and meals before us as we relax for a bit.
Q: Does anyone approach us? Unlikely No -topic, parents
“So, how did your parents react when they learned you were…magic?” Cedulia asks Sheria.
-reaction neutral-
“They were…unsurprised, oddly enough. I mean, you know…they knew I wasn’t quite normal from the day I was born, so…they just took me back to the village priest for advice, and he made arrangements for my education. I really can’t imagine any better reaction. How did yours react to you becoming a priestess?” Sheria returns the question.
“My father was surprised, but my mother was overjoyed. She has always been very devout, so I guess I take after her,” Cedulia explains.
After we finish our meals, we reclaim our animals and continue down the road.
-Evening encounter-Farmers working the fields-friendly-
We push on throughout the early evening, passing by some farmers finishing up their days work, “Freia’s blessings upon you!” one of the men calls out.
“Upon you as well,” Sister Cedulia replies. Sheria and I wait while she heads into the field to talk to the farmers. Soon, she is giving them her blessing, and the men wish us safe travels. Returning to us, she says, “Sourfen isn’t far they say.”
Q: Are we stopped or questioned at Sourfen? Very Unlikely No
At the village of Sourfen, we head to the village square and check for lodging at an inn whose sign depicts a crow unravelling the ties of a maiden’s bodice. “This seems a nice place. Are all of the inns in the south so fancy?” Sheria asks Cedulia.
Cedulia shakes her head, “Pilgrims always come through, so inns along this road can make a lot of money though most pilgrims are very poor. So they lodge them in the ale rom for a tenpiece or two each, and for the rooms, they charge half a crown. That’s why the floors are so well swept, and they use benches rather than chairs.”
Q: Are two rooms available? Likely No Q: One room? Likely No
I nod in understanding then ask the man behind the counter about lodging. Then I return to my companions, “Looks like we are joining other pilgrims on the alehouse floor.”
“You could go ask the lord for lodging, right?” Sheria suggests.
“I’d rather not,” I reply.
Q: Does anyone approach us? Unlikely Exceptional No Q: Are my companions okay with the common room? Likely No
“I think you should,” Sheria recommends. Sister Cedulia nods her agreement. I sigh, put on my ring and head over to the manor house with my companions eagerly following behind, leading our animals which are loaded again once more.
-Reaction Neutral- (Persuasion 24)
We walk across the square to the manor house and I knock on the door. The steward answers, “Good evening. I am Lord Senfry Talbot. My companions and I would like to request lodging in your master’s home for the evening as the inn is full and we are on our way to Farhold.”
“Of course, my lord,” the steward bows, “please, wait here in the foyer while a hand tends to your animals. I shall inform Lord Baro of your arrival.”
My companions and I step inside. The two women smile at each other, pleased with their surroundings. “I can see why so many clergy of noble birth leave their vocation and return to their families in later years,” Cedulia comments.
Q: Will he host us? Likely Exceptional No
The steward returns, looking rather sheepish, “Lord Talbot of…where, exactly? My lord wishes to know as he has never heard of your house.”
I chuckle, “Lord of absolutely nothing, but my name, my sword and my honor. Our line lost its lands a century ago, and I seek to rebuild our fortunes.”
“Ah!” the steward nods, “I understand. My lord tires of freeloaders who abuse his home’s hospitality. I am sure you must understand, we receive many visitors. Many travelers, and many penniless pretenders seeking to impose themselves upon my master’s house. So…I understand many sleep on the floor of the inn?”
Q: Are my companions shocked? Very Likely Yes
I chuckle, and glance at my companions, whose jaws hang open in surprise, then I nod to the steward, “I fully understand the predicament your lord is in. Please forgive our intrusion into…Lord Baro’s home.”
With that, I turn and leave, collecting our animals and returning to the inn.
“I can’t believe he did that!” Sheria complains.
“I am surprised Lord LeValque and Lord Darren didn’t,” I reply. “The only thing that separates me from a wandering merchant is title and money. I have a title, the merchant has money, and one needs both to convince a great many lords that your gratitude might one day be of use.”
“I thought nobles had to host one another,” Cedulia adds.
“Nobles must do a great many things that nobles don’t always do,” I shrug. “Men are made of flesh and blood, regardless of rank. They are just men, and sometimes…unjust.”
Q: Mortify? Unlikely No
At the inn, we eat the meaty crawfish stew that is being served, very similar to what is often eaten near Frogsend. And after the tankards run dry and the cards being shuffled at another table are put away, we roll out our bedrolls and blankets, and lay down among other travelers on the road to or from Faithstone. The women sleep close to the wall, and I sleep between them and the other travelers. I notice that Cedulia is not going to sleep right away, but is looking into my eyes as we lay near each other. Sheria is already snoring and Rook is perched up in the rafters. “Are you alright?” I ask Cedulia.
“I am unused to sleeping with others in the room,” she replies. Then closes her eyes, and I can see her lips moving, and realize she is quietly reciting her prayers, and her litany of names. I smile, watching her lips move, but eventually drift off to sleep before she is done.
-Threshing 19th-
-Hot, Clear Skies, stiff breeze-
-Immersion, sense extreme heat-
Ep 8: On to Faithstone (Threshing 19th)-Random event, decrease technology
Chaos Factor: 4
“Let’s go! It’s Godsday and if we press, we can likely reach Faithstone by midafternoon, don’t you think?” Cedulia urges to quickly eat and get back on the road.
“Oh, now we are in hurry, ” I gently tease her.
“Didn’t you spend several days at the temple in Truestone? We could already be in Faithstone by now!” Sheria adds.
Cedulia glares at us, then grins, “Let’s just go!”
We saddle the animals, and given how hot it is today, I unbuckle the armor I had donned and stow it on the mule’s pack as well. Then we are on the road, leaving behind the pilgrims who were heading our way, but who linger behind, trying to fix the broken axle of the wagon on which they were transporting lame and elderly members of their company.
Q: Does Sheria want to help? Likely No -Morning Encounter No Encounter-
We quickly lead our animals down the road, “You know, I kind of feel bad for leaving those people behind, but I am also kind of glad to have the road to ourselves,” Sheria says after a bit.
-Insight 17, Persuasion 5-
“They are in a village. They’ll be fine. I’m sure they’ll still reach Faithstone by nightfall. Tomorrow at the latest,” I shrug, then raise an eyebrow, “Do you think there is something we could have done?”
Q: Does she confess? Very Unlikely Exceptional Yes
“If it’s just the axle, with a single break. I can fix that with a word!” Sheria blurts out.
Q: Does Cedulia send her back? Very Likely No
Cedulia and I stop short. Then Cedulia says, “and they would have known you as a witch and been perhaps been more frightened than grateful. They aren’t in any danger. Let’s go.”
I blink in surprise at Cedulia’s words, and Sheria seems visibly relieved. We continue our journey, and soon reach the village of Hearthchapel.
Q: Does the guard question us? Unlikely No
Reaching the village, the guard stops us with grin, “Five pennies for you lot and your animals to pass through the here.”
-Insight 14, but he is actually telling the truth- Q: Does Cedulia remember this? Likely No
“That’s strange. Towns charge gate fees, villages don’t…normally,” I question the man.
“How long has this been the law here?” Cedulia asks, annoyed.
“Oh…two years now, I think,” he holds out his hand.
Q: Does Cedulia pay it? Likely No -Cedulia intimidate 15-
“No! I am on my way to Farhold, through Faithstone. You won’t extort money from us!” Cedulia objects.
The guard stammers a bit, “Well…I don’t mean to…it’s just…our lord.”
“What’s your lord’s name?” I ask.
“Lord Auvray,” the soldier replies.
-Intimidate 21-
I toss a crown at the soldier’s feet, “Perhaps he can buy some honor with it.” Then I lead my horses through the gate, and my companions follow.
“You shouldn’t have given him anything!” Cedulia protests.
-Village, no encounter- Q: Do my companions just want to pass through? Likely Yes
We pass through the village square, where the sign on the inn depicts a burglar, carrying a sack full of loot, falling on his face as he climbs out a window. I chuckle, “Fitting for this town.”
The manor house is a fine structure, with ornate carvings in the stone work, and it is clear that work is still underway enhancing the structure’s appearance.
We water our animals, eating from my pack of travel supplies, then continue on our road, not wasting time at the inn or trading with the local merchants who seem few in number anyway.
-Afternoon Encounter-Caravan company, d2 -outbound (a company from Truestone returning home, generate trader, reaction instant friendship)
As we are travelling, a group of wagons loaded with ale and with a small string of riding horses trailing behind approaches us. The well dressed caravan master with a scruffy beard hails us, “Greetings fellow travelers, how is the road ahead?”
“Aside from the toll in Hearthchapel, quite clear. Yesterday we saw some ogres on the road between Blackreed and Redmud, and some wolf tracks, but the ogres seemed to be two women and a child, no threat from them,” I report, “How about yours?”
“Nothing to note. Even crossing the Lone Fields last week was a simple task. I am Master Bernarbe, of Truestone,” he introduces himself.
“Senfry Talbot. This is Sister Cedulia and our friend Sheria. I am currently living in Kiddimir, on our way to Farhold,” I explain.
“Ah, fine horses in Farhold. They are building a tower in the city there right now. I was delivering stone for it. I think they said it was a home for the baron’s daughter, who…I’ve never actually seen, but I hear she is quite clever,” he muses.
“As are the daughters of Lord Darren,” I reply.
Q: Does he opine about Darren’s daughters? Likely No (My insight 11-my companions roll far worse)
“Oh? You’ve met them?” he raises an eyebrow.
“Yes, I’ve had the good fortune to do so,” I reply.
“Anyway, safe travels, friend…Senfry Talbot,” Master Bernarbe concludes, changing the subject. I wish him safe travels as well.
-Sense of Oppression-
Ep 8: Faithstone (Th 19th)-Interrupt PC Positive, Refuse Disadvantage (Add a charge of inspiration from Cedulia’s excited faith)
Chaos Factor: 4
Arriving at the magnificent town of Faithstone, with its red stone walls, and carefully sculpted angels guarding the gates, reliefs of the creation story etched into the stone walls, and a number of pilgrims clustered at the gate begging entry, I feel both a sense of wonder at the thought of a town being designed in the manner of a great temple, and also…a heaviness in my soul. A sense of oppression as though there is something deeply wrong here that I cannot quite put my finger on.
“Let’s get inside! I want to attend the worship! See the miracles!” Cedulia beams excitedly.
“What miracles?” Sheria and I both ask, then Cedulia grabs each of us by the hand, and I feel a soothing warmth course through me as she excitedly pulls us along with her.
Q: Are we questioned at the gate? Unlikely Exceptional Yes
“Hold there! Sister? What is your name and where do you come from?” the guard demands, stopping our party at the gate.
-Cedulia Persuasion 19-
“Sister Cedulia, from Kiddimir. We are on our way to Farhold, but wanted to stop here along the way,” Cedulia explains. “These are my travelling companions, Senfry and Sheria,” she adds.
The guard looks me over, “A swordsman?”
“Should the situation require it,” I reply.
“And you?” he looks over Sheria.
-Sheria deception 10, vs insight 6-
“Someone has to tend the animals,” she shrugs, taking the reins of the beasts.
He takes down our names, then collects our five pennies and waves us inside.
“I want to go to the temple!” Cedulia says excitedly.
“Lodging first, else we can’t find each other,” I warn.
Sheria reaches up and Rook hops on her finger and she sets him down on my shoulder instead. “Go find us lodging. We’ll catch up,” she assures me.
I give the bird a sidelong glance as it rests on my shoulder, and caws at me. Then nodding, I start asking around about lodging while Sheria follows Cedulia weaving through the crowded streets.
-Encounter-Pilgrim bump- Q: Are two rooms available? Likely Exceptional No
Pushing through the streets, leading two beasts, I cannot help but occasionally be jostled by the crowd. “Excuse,” a man apologizes. I nod forgiveness, as I check my purse to ensure everything is in place. Then I press on and come to the White Eagle Inn off the market square. But I quickly learn that it is all full, even the floor space of the tap room is unavailable tonight.
So I follow another man’s advice to seek out the Roaring Spirits Inn.
-Encounter-Drunk- Q: Does Roaring Spirits have two rooms? Likely Exceptional No
As I approach the establishment, a man staggers out and bumps up against me. He burps loudly, then staggers off as I check my purse to make sure it wasn’t just taken. Once more, tethering animals outside, I step in to ask about lodging. Just like the prior establishment, it too is overflowing with guests. I shake my head in dismay, ask the lord’s name, and then head towards the lord’s keep, placing my signet ring on my finger and preparing my letters of introduction to beg the grace of yet another noble house.
-Persuasion 22-
Arriving at the keep, I address present my letters to the guard, “I am Lord Senfry Talbot, from Norgard by way of Kiddimir. I am travelling to Farhold, and I wish to ask the hospitality of Baron Hurth in lodging my court witch and myself.”
The sergeant looks around, and asks, “Where’s the witch?”
“At the temple with the priestess we were travelling with. Sister Cedulia will stay at the temple, but I need lodging for myself and my companion, Sheria.”
He nods, and handing the letters to one of his men, word is taken to the steward inside.
Q: Am I invited to stay? 50/50 No
A short time later, the soldier returns, and gives the letters back to the sergeant. They exchange a few words, then the sergeant turns to me, “Milord, Baron Hurth regrets to inform you that his guest rooms are all full for the foreseeable future and wishes you safe travels and a pleasant stay at either of Faithstone’s fine inns.”
“Of course,” I nod. “Perhaps though, since the inns are full, do you happen to know anyone who can rent us a room for a few nights at a boarding house?”
Q: Does Sergeant Bazile know anyone with a room to rent? Likely No
He shakes his head, “No, I don’t. Good day, milord.”
“Good night, sergeant,” I reply, then turn back into town to start asking around about other lodging.
-Survival 7- Q: Am I able to find someone with a room to rent? Unlikely No-Encounter Children bullying another kid- Q: IS Zelie crying? Likely Yes
Wandering through the streets the sun begins to set, I ask shopkeepers and passers by about lodging and the general consensus is that pilgrims just sleep on the streets. Having restocked my provisions, in the process, I start heading back towards the town gate when I see a young boy shove an even younger girl to the ground, “Get out of here Zelie! You don’t belong!” The boy shouts, two other girls about his age giggle and join in mocking Zelie, who begins crying.
-Intimidation with advantage 8-
“Leave her alone!” I bellow at the children.
-generate parentage for Drogue- Is Zellie an orphan? Unlikely Exceptional No
“Or what! My dad owns the mill! If you don’t do what I say, he’ll have you locked up in the Baron’s dungeon!” shouts the boy.
I chuckle at the boy’s presumptuousness, “I’m sure your father enjoys fighting duels on your behalf.”
“He can hire a dozen swordsmen to duel you!” the boy boasts.
“Where do you live, girl?” I turn my attention Zellie.
“Shop down the street,” she sniffles. I nod for her to head home, and I follow her.
“Yeah! Run away coward!” the boy shouts, and the girls behind him laugh as well.
Arriving at her parent’s shop, I lash the animals outside and follower her in. It is a small tailors shop with a variety of garments arrayed for purchase. The tailor and his wife both look up, “What’s wrong, Zellie?” asks the woman.
The man stands up from his work, “Was our daughter causing trouble?”
I shake my head, “No, just some children squabbling in the street. I decided to walk her home rather than let her keep getting pushed around.”
“Droge pushed me down!” Zellie bawls to her mom, who starts wiping away the child’s tears and admonishing her to stay away from him and his friends.
Q: Do they offer a reward? Unlikely No
“Well, thank you good man. I appreciate you bringing her back to us,” the man says.
“Certainly. Do you know anyone who has lodging available? A travelling companion and I find ourselves with no place to stay tonight,” I ask.
Q: Does he know anyone with rooms to let? Unlikely No
“Not off the top of my head,” he shakes his head. “Sorry.”
I nod, “Well, have a nice evening.” I smile then return to the street and lead my animals outside the town gate over towards a nearby stand of trees. I then start setting up my tent and Cedulia’s while Rook abandons me and returns to the Faithstone. I water my animals in the river, let them graze and enjoy some of the feed from the pack. Then relax and wait for Sheria to join me…or not.
Q: Does Sheria join me tonight? Very Likely Exceptional Yes
After an hour or so, Sheria finally comes to the camp with Rook perched on her shoulder and some meat on skewers for us to share, “The town really is crowded!” I nod, accepting the food she offers, “You’d think there would be more than two inns.”
“Well, in a few years, Rhou’s Roost will make it three,” I suggest.
“Rhou’s Roost?” She raises an eyebrow.
I nod, “Yes, a caravan guard is saving his coin to build his own inn here.”
“How much more does he need?” she asks. “He’ll make a killing!”
I chuckle, “I believe he will.”
Q: Was she impressed? Very Likely Yes Q: Was someone raised from the dead? Unlikely Yes
We chat for a bit longer, and she tells me about the great temple, “There is a great stone in the center of the temple where there is usually a statue of Freia. It looks natural, but like a falcon with outstretched claws and it is large enough for someone to sit there. The novices would lift shrouded bodies of the newly dead and place them in the claws, then pray for Friea’s mercy. After a few minutes, they would remove the body, bless it, and pray for its safe journey to Celestia. But one time, after the prayers, the shrouded corpse began to move! They removed the shroud, and the woman inside had been revived! They helped her climb back down from the claws and rejoin her family. Her husband and children were overjoyed. Everyone praised the goddess at the sight of the miracle! Several other other people we healed of minor illnesses after climbing into the claws, but…nothing like that!” Sheria exclaims excitedly.
“It sounds amazing!” I admit. “And Cedulia?”
“She was in awe of it all. Afterwards, she followed the other priests into the temple, and said she would catch up with us later. I told her we were camping in these woods outside the town,” Sheria explains.
I nod, “I was hoping Rook would tell you.”
She smiles, “He is good like that.”
Q: Is Sheria upset? Very Unlikely Exceptional No
I tell her about the inns being full, the baron’s household turning me away, and how no lodging seemed to be available. She shakes her head, “Oh well. I guess being a court witch doesn’t guarantee a warm bed every night?”
I laugh, “Nor does being a noble. But, we have tents!”
She shakes her head, “Good night, Senfry.”
“Goodnight, Sheria,” I reply and we each climb into our respective tents and I drift off to sleep.
-Night Encounter-Fox, it will skirt the camp and leave, so…nothing-
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