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| − | Continued from '''[[The Lodge]]''' | + | Continued from '''[[Visitor]]''' |
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| − | About 3 p.m. on the 6th of August, Sven is keeping watch from the roof when he calls out, "VISITOR COMING!" He relays that a lone man on a donkey has approached to some 600 yards and has stopped. While Sven watched, the stranger lifted his arm and made a slow waving gesture. He hasn't attempted to move any closer.
| + | '''The DM:''' on the 19th, a party appears from the east consisting of Alvin, Caleb (who apparently found his way there), the Thane of Odda and half a dozen attendents. Sven calls out their appearance and everyone goes to see them on their way. Hamish, who is cleaned up now and sober, shakes your hands as they approach and tells you each that he is greatly indebted to the service you’ve provided for him. That he won’t forget it, when his title is finally given. |
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| − | '''[[Lexent]]:''' I look at Sven and Pandred, "Do you think we should go out and see what he has to say?"
| + | : It's a beautiful day, with a bare breeze blowing from the west, pleasant weather and a clear blue sky. |
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| − | '''Sven:''' "We hold someone back here to protect Hamish. He's far from recovery. I suggest a parley, to find out what he wants. If he intends to threaten us, he must have an army waiting somewhere beyond our sight." | + | '''[[Lexent]]:''' "I am glad to have had the opportunity to assist in your recovery, and in getting to know you as person." |
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| − | '''[[Lexent]]:''' "I'll go. Pandred, Be ready for trouble." I head outside. | + | '''Pandred''': I'll smile and nod. |
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| − | '''Pandred''': "Always am." I'll make sure to don my armor, etc. Arduin will assist if need be. | + | '''The DM:''' The Thane comes forward to meet the party. He and Hamish grip arms, a certain amount of ceremony is expressed ... but since the patents have been viewed, the meeting is merely to convince the Thane that Hamish is a serious, able person. Lexent has made that possible, though of course Hamish has only 9 of his 14 charisma. He is a bit halting in his speech, but he is sound enough to convince the Thane that they should speak alone for a time. Caleb falls into a private conversation with Bergthora, Alvin recounts his experiences with Sven and the party find themselves ignored. |
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| − | '''The DM:''' how close do you wish to get? Comfortable speaking distance is six combat hexes. | + | '''Pandred''': I'll settle in, wait to hear from the Baron what this means for him in the immediate future. |
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| − | '''[[Lexent]]:''' I move up half the distance between us, so 300 yards and wave back. | + | '''The DM:''' The word will make itself slowly understood, that the ‘Baron’ in the title describes Baron Hamish Ross. The Thane suggests that he, Ross and his entourage make their way immediately to Voss, to confront the Count face-to-face at his summer residence there. Caleb speaks up to say that the way has been made safe and that no one need worry about bandits along the way. |
| | + | :'''[[Lexent]]:''' Ah. Misunderstood 'his entourage'. |
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| − | '''Stranger:''' “Identify yourself!” | + | '''[[Lexent]]:''' I begin collecting my things in order to set out with them.</span> |
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| − | '''[[Lexent]]:''' "I am Lexent. Who are you? And what business brings you here?" | + | '''Sven:''' (speaking to Lexent) “Thank you for all you have done, and for ensuring that we’ve been safe these past three weeks. I think its probably best if we part ways from here.” |
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| − | '''Stranger:''' “You may call me Tacitus.” | + | '''[[Lexent]]:''' "You're welcome. Thank you for the protection and anonymity you provided. Give our regards to Espen Rosted as well." |
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| − | '''The DM:''' It’s plain that the stranger is Norwegian, and that the name is likely an alias. | + | '''The DM:''' the Thane will acknowledge you as well, though with hardly more than a nod and a bow. Hamish will embrace Lexent and shake the hands of the rest of the party. Caleb gives Vafrandir a rueful glance. Bergthora says goodbye to Pandred, saying that “I’m sure we’ll meet again.” Without waiting, they all head off, leaving the party behind. |
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| − | '''[[Lexent]]:''' "And your business here?" | + | == What Now? == |
| | + | '''[[Lexent]]:''' "Well, shall we return to Bergen and try to find passage to Trondheim?" |
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| − | '''Tacitus:''' “You have removed Hamish Ross from Bergen, have you not? That is what brings me here.” | + | '''[[Lexent]]:''' "Arduin, do you think we still have time in the season to make such a journey before the winter turns deadly?" |
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| − | '''[[Lexent]]:''' "I have removed no one from anywhere. If you'd like though, you are welcome to come up and talk." | + | '''The DM:''' Arduin can say that it is never truly cold, as in Arctic, but it is miserably damp and sloppy, with enough snow to make tramping through the wilderness impractical. |
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| − | '''Tacitus:''' “Not until I know who you are and your motives.” | + | '''[[Lexent]]:''' That is what I fear. At what point in the year does that occur? |
| − | :'''The DM:''' He grins.
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| − | :: '''Tacitus:''' “You could be a collection of true villains, couldn’t you?”
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| − | '''[[Lexent]]:''' "I'm no more of a collection than you are, and as for villainy I assure you I only seek to assist those around me. I see, however, that we are both wary of one another's motives, so how shall we solve this impasse?" | + | '''Arvid:''' “Perhaps we should winter south, masters?” |
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| − | '''[[Lexent]]:''' Does he carry any visible weaponry? | + | '''The DM:''' the days have already begun to rapidly shorten; by late September, the nights are longer than the days and by late October the days in Bronnoykoy are very short indeed. |
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| − | '''The DM:''' No. He’s not very tall, either; perhaps 5 ft. 3 for a human. And rather unpossessing sitting on his donkey. | + | '''Pandred''': I will growl in frustration. "There's no ''goblins'' south!" "Where was Dilhak going, maybe we can still chase the giant bear!" |
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| − | '''The DM:''' Okay, I'm pretty sure at this point that people are waiting to see what happens with Vafrandir. I did intend to run both pages at the same time, but I'm kind of glad I don't have to. | + | '''[[Lexent]]:''' "Let us head back to Bergen we can decide our course from there." |
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| − | '''[[Lexent]]:''' I was waiting to see Tacitus' response to my question. | + | '''Arvid:''' "Is that safe?" |
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| − | '''The DM:''' Somehow, I utterly missed your first line; I tagged onto your question about visible weaponry and failed to see that you had spoken. I was waiting for you to answer Tacitus' question. Ah, well. Apologies. I'll return your question: are you wearing any visible weaponry? | + | '''[[Lexent]]:''' "What precisely is your concern?" |
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| − | '''[[Lexent]]:''' I am not. | + | '''[[Lexent]]:''' (To Pandred) "Dilhak was planning to return south before winter set in." |
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| − | == Intermission ==
| + | '''Arvid:''' “Well ... if Tacitus knew about us helping Hamish ... isn’t there a possibility the Genoans will also know about us? And might have a description? And might recognize us if we returned to Bergen?” |
| − | '''The DM:''' We'll pick this up tomorrow, then. | |
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| − | '''The DM:''' Sorry all. I've got a contract job today. I won't be in. Problems of the real world. | + | '''[[Lexent]]:''' "Hmm. I hadn't considered that. I suppose they might be ... displeased and seek to take out their frustrations on us." |
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| − | '''[[Lexent]]:''' Bummer. Heads up, I'm not sure what my availability for Friday will be. I'm travelling to a family reunion at some point, but I'm not sure when I'll be in the car and whether or not I'll be able to play from my cell phone. | + | '''Pandred''': "You'd rather chase after the Baron? We're not wanted there either." |
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| − | '''The DM:''' Okay, well let us know when you know, and we'll be fine. I have to take these contracts when they arise; steady work only occurs when they occur. | + | '''[[Lexent]]:''' "These Genoans seem to cause a great deal of trouble. Might there be something we could accomplish to lessen their influence? Perhaps Bergotha and her friends would be able to provide us with some ideas to counter them." |
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| − | '''[[Lexent]]:''' In. I should be good for an hour at the very least, we'll see what happens after that.
| + | '''The DM:''' They have already gone off on their way ... though I suppose they’re still in sight. |
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| − | '''The DM:''' In. Yay, I have time. | |
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| − | == Continuing On ==
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| − | '''Tacitus:''' "Perhaps I should trust you then. Lead on to your domicile."
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| − | '''[[Lexent]]:''' I head back up.
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| − | '''The DM:''' heading back at the lodge, Tacitus will inquire whether or not he can see Hamish Ross in the flesh.
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| − | '''[[Lexent]]:''' As we reach the door I respond, "Yes, assuming he is willing to see you."
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| − | '''The DM:''' Entering, Lexent, you see Sven and Pandred, but no sign of Hamish.
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| − | '''[[Lexent]]:''' "Sven, Pandred, this is Tacitus. He is enquiring after the welfare of Hamish Ross."
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| − | '''Tacitus:''' "If I might ensure his well-being ..."
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| − | '''Sven:''' "How do you know that he's here?"
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| − | '''The DM:''' Tacitus merely shrugs.
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| − | '''[[Lexent]]:''' "The last I saw him he was alive and well enough, all things considered."
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| − | '''[[Pandred]]''': "Who's this? What's he want?" Unlike Lexent, I am definitely armed.
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| − | '''Tacitus:''' (spreading his arms and showing empty hands) "I am Tacitus. And I am concerned about Hamish Ross's welfare."
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| − | '''[[Pandred]]''': "The fuck you are. Who sent you?"
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| − | '''Tacitus:''' "Good. Let us speak frankly. Hamish Ross is the deserved reciever of a large fortune and title, that he never received from the King of Denmark. His sudden disappearance from Bergen suggests he has received this fortune. In which case, his life is in danger. You are strangers. Sven here, who doesn't know me, is a guard in Bergen, so he may be honest; he may not be."
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| − | '''Sven:''' "I am honest!"
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| − | '''Tacitus:''' "Understood. Then, the questions remain: is Hamish Ross well and do you have the fortune intact?"
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| − | '''Pandred''': "You haven't answered my question." I will draw the smaller axe. "Nothing you have said isn't obvious. Either prove your intentions or I will prove mine."
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| − | '''Tacitus:''' “I was led to believe that I had come here under a flag of truce. I have made no ill motions, I’ve offered no threats. Why do you speak this way?”
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| − | '''Pandred''': "I don't know who you are. I don't know who sent you or why you're here. This is the last time I'm going to ask. Speak plainly or speak with God."
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| − | '''Tacitus:''' “Is God here? If he is, I’d very much like the latter choice.”
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| − | '''[[Lexent]]:''' "You also have not stated that your interest is in keeping Hamish Ross alive. The name Tacitus, is that Latin?"
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| − | '''[[Lexent]]:''' "Peace a moment, Pandred. He does not seem so great a threat that we cannot listen to his full and honest explanation with grace and dignity."
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| − | '''Tacitus:''' (to Lexent) “It is not Genoan, if that’s your concern.” (to Pandred) “That is your concern, is it not?”
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| − | '''[[Vafrandir]]:''' In.
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| − | '''Pandred''': (OOC) I want you to know I fully typed out the sentence where this guy is defenestrated.
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| − | : '''The DM:''' You’d have to win initiative first.
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| − | '''Pandred''': I say nothing.
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| − | '''[[Lexent]]:''' I look back at Tacitus. "Well?"
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| − | '''Tacitus:''' “Friend, you expect me to be forthcoming, but you have told me nothing. I know Ross is here. His welfare is my concern. Is he safe? It is the question of a concerned citizen of Bergen, for a would-be Baron of the Realm. Do you resist a simple answer to a simple question because the man is dead?”
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| − | '''[[Lexent]]:''' "True enough. You say you are not with the Genoans, neither are we. We also seek to help Baron Ross establish his rightful claim. As I said earlier, to the best of my knowledge, he is alive."
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| − | '''Tacitus:''' “Then I will say to you, I am the leader of the free people of Bergen.”
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| − | '''Sven:''' “Hah!” (grumbling) “He’s part of the thieves’ guild.”
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| − | '''[[Lexent]]:''' "Then what is your particular interest in the Baron's welfare?"
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| − | '''[[Lexent]]:''' (To Sven) "Does that mean you trust him less?...or more?"
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| − | == Continued from [[Vafrandir’s Journey]] ==
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| − | '''The DM:''' At this point, Vafrandir walks through the door, followed by Denar, Caleb, Alan and Bergthora. Pandred immediately recognizes this last; it is the same Bergthora he last saw about three months ago.
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| − | '''[[Lexent]]:''' I position myself about 20 feet away from the newcomers if possible.
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| − | '''Pandred''': "What ''now''?" I'll look at the wounded here with momentary concern before returning my attention to Tacitus.
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| − | '''Tacitus:''' (looks Vafrandir and Arvid over, somewhat surprised) “Hm.”
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| − | '''Bergthora:''' “Pandred? What are you doing here?”
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| − | '''Pandred''': My eyes do not leave Tacitus. " Oh, the usual. Cracking heads. You?"
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| − | '''Tacitus:''' (looks to Bergthora) “You know her?”
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| − | '''Bergthora:''' “Yeah. She’s straight up. We don’t have to worry about her.”
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| − | '''Tacitus:''' “She seems a trifle stiff.”
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| − | '''Bergthora:''' “That’s just her way.”
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| − | P: OOC (So if the alphabetical naming convention keeps up, there's at least sixteen thieves hiding in the bushes outside before we get to Tacitus)
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| − | '''The DM:''' OOC: overthinking this much?
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| − | '''The DM:''' Vafrandir can attest that these are the only ones, and he was pretty much able to handle all four himself.
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| − | '''Alan:''' “Sorry, boss. We tried to get the manacles on him.”
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| − | '''Tacitus:''' “Don’t concern yourself.” (to the party) “Shall we put our cards on the table? I’ll go first.”
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| − | '''Tacitus:''' “I am the guildmaster of the domestic Thieves’ guild in Bergen; I am no friend of the Genoans who maintain the fief that Hamish Ross is entitled to collect. We have been a friend to him since his downfall; and at times, have kept him safe from himself. We know his haunts; we know where he sleeps ... and we keep an eye on him to assure his welfare. Days ago, he disappeared from Bergen. Investigation turned up eye-witnesses at the Quay, who described a group of outsiders speaking with a head guard named Espen Rosted. We know Rosted; he’s honest and forgiving; we’ve tried many times to win him over to our side. He’s gone missing too. Investigations into his disappearance revealed that he has a stake in this property we stand on now. For a day I watched this longhouse and late last evening, I saw Hamish Ross emerge. I saw this man -” (points at Vafrandir) “- and a servant leave for Bergen and I had him waylaid. I do not dare let anyone appear in Bergen that associated with Ross at this time; I do not know what the Genoans know.
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| − | '''[[Lexent]]:''' "Hamish has been under my care as we attempt to help him prepare to claim his title."
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| − | '''Tacitus:''' “What does that mean, ‘under your care’?”
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| − | '''[[Lexent]]:''' "I have been working with him to help overcome the deliterious effects that alcohol have had on him since the beginning of his misfortune."
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| − | '''Tacitus:''' (to Vafrandir) “And why were you going back to town?”
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| − | '''[[Vafrandir]]:''' "To obtain medicines that could help with his recovery."
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| − | '''Tacitus:''' (to Lexent): “Can you write a list of what you need? We’ll get it for you.”
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| − | '''[[Lexent]]:''' (OOC) In looking over the Bergen Apothecary list, I did not see anything jump out at me as particularly suited to this task. Is there somewhere on the wiki I could look for information that Lexent would know?
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| − | '''The DM:''' We can just assume you give him a list of things which he’ll get. The details don’t matter at this time. Does anyone have any questions they’d like to ask? If no, please say so, and I’ll wrap up the scene.
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| − | '''Pandred''': I'm set.
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| − | :'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Same
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| − | '''[[Lexent]]:''' I provide the list. I'm OK as well.
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| − | '''The DM:''' Tacitus will explain that he’ll post a guard on the lodge to ensure it’s safety. Since you know her, he’d like it if you’d allow Bergthora to reside inside the lodge with you. Agreed?
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| − | '''Pandred''': So be it.
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| − | '''The DM:''' Then he will depart and you’re on your own. What do you wish to do now?
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| − | '''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Arvid held his own well but had a rough go of it. Does he need any additional care besides rest? I'll ask particularly if he was agreeable with the decision I made to stand our ground, seeing as the odds were seemingly stacked.
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| − | '''The DM:''' He agreed to that when he made his morale check and stayed in it. Occurs to me, I haven’t given experience for that yet. I calculate it out over the weekend; I’m multi-tasking at the moment. He only needs rest.
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| − | '''[[Lexent]]:''' I can provide healing. How much do each of you need?
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| − | '''[[Lexent]]:''' I use the staff to heal Vafrandir for '''3+4+1=8''' HP.
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| − | '''[[Lexent]]:''' I cast ''cure light wounds'' for '''2+4=6''' HP to Arvid.
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| − | == Talk ==
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| − | '''The DM:''' Got kind of a feel that the insertion of Tacitus was getting on the player’s nerves. It’s because I cannot read your faces, you understand.
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| − | '''[[Lexent]]:'''(OOC) I thought it was great. It was difficult to play the situation without being able to get any non-verbal cues
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| − | '''The DM:''' Always. Part of the drawback here.
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| − | '''Pandred:''' (OOC) Some rando showing up with a fake name who won't answer questions and expecting deference from us is never more than a few die rolls away from getting thrown through the nearest opening. Ha!
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| − | '''The DM:''' Granted, but a 10+ level thief is unlikely to be especially forthcoming, particularly if he has no reason to be afraid. As long as it went well, I'm satisfied.
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Continued from Visitor
The DM: on the 19th, a party appears from the east consisting of Alvin, Caleb (who apparently found his way there), the Thane of Odda and half a dozen attendents. Sven calls out their appearance and everyone goes to see them on their way. Hamish, who is cleaned up now and sober, shakes your hands as they approach and tells you each that he is greatly indebted to the service you’ve provided for him. That he won’t forget it, when his title is finally given.
- It's a beautiful day, with a bare breeze blowing from the west, pleasant weather and a clear blue sky.
Lexent: "I am glad to have had the opportunity to assist in your recovery, and in getting to know you as person."
Pandred: I'll smile and nod.
The DM: The Thane comes forward to meet the party. He and Hamish grip arms, a certain amount of ceremony is expressed ... but since the patents have been viewed, the meeting is merely to convince the Thane that Hamish is a serious, able person. Lexent has made that possible, though of course Hamish has only 9 of his 14 charisma. He is a bit halting in his speech, but he is sound enough to convince the Thane that they should speak alone for a time. Caleb falls into a private conversation with Bergthora, Alvin recounts his experiences with Sven and the party find themselves ignored.
Pandred: I'll settle in, wait to hear from the Baron what this means for him in the immediate future.
The DM: The word will make itself slowly understood, that the ‘Baron’ in the title describes Baron Hamish Ross. The Thane suggests that he, Ross and his entourage make their way immediately to Voss, to confront the Count face-to-face at his summer residence there. Caleb speaks up to say that the way has been made safe and that no one need worry about bandits along the way.
- Lexent: Ah. Misunderstood 'his entourage'.
Lexent: I begin collecting my things in order to set out with them.
Sven: (speaking to Lexent) “Thank you for all you have done, and for ensuring that we’ve been safe these past three weeks. I think its probably best if we part ways from here.”
Lexent: "You're welcome. Thank you for the protection and anonymity you provided. Give our regards to Espen Rosted as well."
The DM: the Thane will acknowledge you as well, though with hardly more than a nod and a bow. Hamish will embrace Lexent and shake the hands of the rest of the party. Caleb gives Vafrandir a rueful glance. Bergthora says goodbye to Pandred, saying that “I’m sure we’ll meet again.” Without waiting, they all head off, leaving the party behind.
What Now?
Lexent: "Well, shall we return to Bergen and try to find passage to Trondheim?"
Lexent: "Arduin, do you think we still have time in the season to make such a journey before the winter turns deadly?"
The DM: Arduin can say that it is never truly cold, as in Arctic, but it is miserably damp and sloppy, with enough snow to make tramping through the wilderness impractical.
Lexent: That is what I fear. At what point in the year does that occur?
Arvid: “Perhaps we should winter south, masters?”
The DM: the days have already begun to rapidly shorten; by late September, the nights are longer than the days and by late October the days in Bronnoykoy are very short indeed.
Pandred: I will growl in frustration. "There's no goblins south!" "Where was Dilhak going, maybe we can still chase the giant bear!"
Lexent: "Let us head back to Bergen we can decide our course from there."
Arvid: "Is that safe?"
Lexent: "What precisely is your concern?"
Lexent: (To Pandred) "Dilhak was planning to return south before winter set in."
Arvid: “Well ... if Tacitus knew about us helping Hamish ... isn’t there a possibility the Genoans will also know about us? And might have a description? And might recognize us if we returned to Bergen?”
Lexent: "Hmm. I hadn't considered that. I suppose they might be ... displeased and seek to take out their frustrations on us."
Pandred: "You'd rather chase after the Baron? We're not wanted there either."
Lexent: "These Genoans seem to cause a great deal of trouble. Might there be something we could accomplish to lessen their influence? Perhaps Bergotha and her friends would be able to provide us with some ideas to counter them."
The DM: They have already gone off on their way ... though I suppose they’re still in sight.
