Kulan: Knightfall's Heroes of Carnell Game [IC]

[Scotley]

Phar responds to the question. "Only a moment. We have only just dispatched this foe. I hope your noble steed can get him to help in time."

"The wererat's words were mostly just boast and threat. He implied he was servant to something or someone, but nothing he said was specific. He said that he would bite us and his curse would make us servants; to what he did not say." He considers for a moment then adds, "He wears a most unusual armor, the hide a very rare beast. Perhaps that is a clue to his origins." He nods at the armor. "Do you know ought of the range of the creature known as a Rhinoceros?"

 

[Scotley]

Phar responds to the question. "Only a moment. We have only just dispatched this foe. I hope your noble steed can get him to help in time."

"The wererat's words were mostly just boast and threat. He implied he was servant to something or someone, but nothing he said was specific. He said that he would bite us and his curse would make us servants; to what he did not say." He considers for a moment then adds, "He wears a most unusual armor, the hide a very rare beast. Perhaps that is a clue to his origins." He nods at the armor. "Do you know ought of the range of the creature known as a Rhinoceros?"

 

[JustinCase]

OOC: Can Caerth make a knowledge (nature) check on the habitat of the rhino? [roll0] Can't seem to load the RG properly, so please add the relevant modifier.

 

[Knightfall]

Phar responds to the question. "Only a moment. We have only just dispatched this foe. I hope your noble steed can get him to help in time."

"It's a sturdy animal," Sir Ghal says. "Let's hope so."

"The wererat's words were mostly just boast and threat. He implied he was servant to something or someone, but nothing he said was specific. He said that he would bite us and his curse would make us servants; to what he did not say."

"That is a bit disturbing," Sir Ghal muses. "As far a know, the Strandlands has never had a significant problem with werebeasts. Yes, an occasional werewolf roams into the land and causes problems for a while, but the senate is very vigilant when it comes to eradicating those with such curses. More often, they've had to purge vampires and other undead from the larger cities. The last vampiric purge was over 100 years ago, however. Perhaps doing so has caused a void of evil that wererats are now taking advantage of."

He considers for a moment then adds, "He wears a most unusual armor, the hide a very rare beast. Perhaps that is a clue to his origins." He nods at the armor. "Do you know ought of the range of the creature known as a Rhinoceros?"

"Hmm, I don't think I've ever heard of such a creature before. It's definitely not native to the Thunder Lands. Of course, I might know it as something else. What does it look like?"

OOC: Can Caerth make a knowledge (nature) check on the habitat of the rhino? Roll: 10+16=26 Can't seem to load the RG properly, so please add the relevant modifier.

OOC: Sure he can and he knows all about the rhinos of Harqual. He knows that that true rhinos (as we know them) are rare on Harqual, although he's heard tales from Aeron about the large numbers of rhinos that exist beyond the continent's shores. The few rhino-like animals that exist on Harqual are found in a half-a-dozen large herds (known as crashes) on the savanna's of the Far South. They tend to live along the river systems of the Savanna of the Mist and Savanna of the Sun. While most of the humans and halflings living in that region call these beasts rhinos, the gnomes of the Heverkent Forest and the savanna-dwelling rakasta prides (that sometimes hunt them) call them teleos (or more correctly, a Teleoceras).

Caerth knows that the most common type of rhino living on the contient are the woolly rhinoceros that live in the Northlands of Harqual. While they aren't as numerous as other big animals living on the continent, they are more numerous that the teleoceras. Caerth can tell that the rhino hide was made from woolly rhino's hide not from a teleoceras's. Woolly's are often hunted by the human tribes known as Northerners and those use all of the animal. None of it is wasted. The wererat's rhino hide armor likely originated from the Northlands, although the wererat's features don't mark him as a Northerner. More than likely he stole it or killed its original owner.

Note that on Kulan, Pleistocene megafauna still exist throughout the world, although the numbers of these animals aren't as substantial as normal animals. Harqual, however, is one of the few continent's of the world with more numerous types of megafauna that once existed on North America (and a few key choices from Eurasia and South America -- thus the woolly rhino). This includes american lions & cheetahs, camelops, dire wolves, giant beavers, giant polar bears, giant sloths, glyptodons, mammoths & mastodons, short-faced bears, smilodon, stag-moose, etc.

Direct link to Caerth's PC sheet on the RG: [v.3.5] Rogues Gallery: Aerie of the Crow God PbP Campaign!
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[MENTION=49929]Scott DeWar[/MENTION]: FYI, I'm going to post another reply specifically for Quinn. It will go up today. (Knock on wood.)

 

[Knightfall]

Quinn in Carnell
Quinn spurs on the horse with the two soldiers riding beside him. The distance to Carnell goes considerably faster than it had on foot and soon the village comes into view. One of the soldiers that rode ahead to tell Aeron about Raius's plight meets them on the road.

"Sir Quinn, Aeron is waiting at Gurnard's Arms," he says as he reins in his horse as the trio approaches. Quinn and the others don't stop heading directly into Carnell. The other soldier follows them but doesn't push his horse as hard as the beast is already tired from the ride out to the farmstead and rush back to the village.

Quinn and the soldiers rein in their mounts in front of the small inn and Aeron is waiting outside. He tells Quinn to take Raius down off the horse and place him on the ground. He then casts a delay poison spell on the fallen warrior.

"That will keep him safe for now," Aeron says. "Take him inside and I will see if I can purge the poison from his system using my herbs. Unfortunately, I cannot cure the poison magically today. I've had a busy day helping people with more mundane concerns and have used up most of my energy." The man looks a bit tired.

One of the soldiers helps Quinn take Raius inside the inn where Rosemergy has prepared a bed upstairs. Soon Raius is resting and his color seems better. Aeron tries to purge the toxin from his system, but he is soon shaking his head in frustration. "There isn't anything else I can do for him. My spell will only delay the poison for part of the day, and I don't have another one prepared." He looks at Quinn while Rosey looks on with concern. "We might have to take him to a healer in Belporte although I was thinking of doing that for Lorien anyway." He pauses and sighs. "Your friend seems to be getting worse not better. I can't even wake him anymore. It's almost like the trauma is in his soul."

"Since Raius is a recognized soldier of the Standlands, shouldn't you be able to get him treated at Fort Symas?" Rosey asks.

"Yes, that's a good idea." Aeron nods in approval. "And I'll see if Lady Pendour can get us permisison to take Lorien there as well. Stay with him Rosey." Aeron leads Quinn out of the inn and up the hill to Pendour Manor. The guards let him and Quinn pass into the manor; the guards salute Quinn as he passes. They find Lady Pendour sitting in the hall going over some documents. She looks haggard.

"Aeron, is Raius okay?" She asks.

"Yes and no," the healer replies. "I've magically delayed the poison in his body, but he's going to need a more skilled healer if he's going to live. I'd like your permission to take him, and Lorien, to Fort Symas."

"So, the bard is still unconscious then?"

"Yes Your Ladyship," Aeron replies.

"Very well, I will prepare the documents you'll need." She looks at Quinn. "Sir Ghal told me what happened to his father. Did you and the others catch the villain who murdered him?"

OOC: Heal check > 9+14=23 (not high enough)

 

[Scott DeWar]

Quinn does all that he is told to do when traveling to the Inn and carries Raius in with the help of the other soldier. With no knowledge of poisons, Quinn can only stand and nod sagely. as he heads to the Manor he feels weighted and feet leaden, but he has a duty to perform for her ladyship and all in the manor.

He salutes back when saluted which lifts his spirits a bit, but what makes his steps more sharp is the fact he is about to be in attendance to the lady of the manor, and she needs hope. before entering the Manor proper he takes several minutes to remove dirt from fighting and travel, with no recourse to hide wounds, blood and damage to his clothing.

In the presence of Lady Pendour, he answers her questions as aif giving a report, softening any of the worse of the details as well as he knows how.

 

[JustinCase]

Caerth thinks for a few moments while studying the corpse and the armor.

"That's made from the hide of a woolly rhino," he points to the armor. "Most propably from the Northlands, although this guy doesn't seem to come from that place. Probably stole it, or killed the previous owner."

The half-orc raises an eyebrow, and adds with uncharacteristic wit, "A wererat criminal. Who would've guessed."

 

[Scotley]

He waits stoically as the Lady prepares the documents. He unconsciously smooths the feathers of his familiar who he still cradles protectively.

Phar quirks his lips at the Half-Orc's unexpectedly humorous turn of phrase. Stress brings out the most interesting behaviors. Such thoughts only partially distract him from the dire situation of his companions.

Phar puts his keen elven eyes to work helping Aureus, but it is his feet that do the trick as a floor board rocks under his step revealing that it is loose. He bends to the hole. A smile plays across his lips at the sight of platinum in the pouch, but he ignores the coins in favor of the pommel shaped vial which he takes gingerly and wraps carefully in a spare shirt. "This might help the healers figure out the best treatment for our fallen companion", he observes.

The map and note cause his brows to knit in thought. "Well, well, it looks like our ugly friend outside, Odilos I presume, did not follow his orders." He taps the paper in frustration. "But who is the 'bastard son' and the 'breeder'? A couple? Mother and child? Curse this absent scribbler for neither being more specific nor signing his scrawl." He blows out his breath though his nostrils. "I guess we should return to the village and see if there are a pair of relative newcomers, one male, one female in town? I don't expect this little place gets all that many emigres." He shakes is head. "If that fails I guess there is nothing for it be to return to the tower and see if this Odilios made contact with the wereman there. Unless of course there is another in town." He adds ruefully, "We really must get some silver weapons."

 

[Knightfall]

Quinn does all that he is told to do when traveling to the Inn and carries Raius in with the help of the other soldier. With no knowledge of poisons, Quinn can only stand and nod sagely. as he heads to the Manor he feels weighted and feet leaden, but he has a duty to perform for her ladyship and all in the manor.

He salutes back when saluted which lifts his spirits a bit, but what makes his steps more sharp is the fact he is about to be in attendance to the lady of the manor, and she needs hope. before entering the Manor proper he takes several minutes to remove dirt from fighting and travel, with no recourse to hide wounds, blood and damage to his clothing.

In the presence of Lady Pendour, he answers her questions as aif giving a report, softening any of the worse of the details as well as he knows how.

"So it was a wererat, as you and the others originally suspected," Lady Pendour replies. "I am glad that you were able to find him and mete out some justice for Lord Ebal. It's unfortunate that the beast couldn't be taken alive, but it sounds like it didn't give you a choice. Well done to you and your allies, Sir Quinn."

"Caerth and the others will bring back the body, of course," Aeron surmises. "Hopefully we can discover why the creature did what it did and the identity of its master."

"I hope so," the lady says with a sigh. "This attack so soon after having my husband's body back can't be a matter of bad luck. There has to be a connection."

"We must consider all possibilities," Aeron says with a nod.

Lady Pendour stands and Aeron bows. "I will draft those documents for you immediately. Wait here, Aeron." She looks at Quinn. "You should return to your companions and help them bring back the wererat's body."

"Tell Caerth to take it to our home and place it on the old bier at the back of the cottage," Aeron adds. "I want to make sure it doesn't carry any diseases before anyone else inspects it."

Aeron waits for the lady while Quinn heads out of the manor the way he came. The guards salute him again as her leaves.

Caerth thinks for a few moments while studying the corpse and the armor.

"That's made from the hide of a woolly rhino," he points to the armor. "Most propably from the Northlands, although this guy doesn't seem to come from that place. Probably stole it, or killed the previous owner."

"That doesn't surprise me," Sir Ghal says. "Everything I've heard about this breed of werebeast is that they are notorious thieves."

The half-orc raises an eyebrow, and adds with uncharacteristic wit, "A wererat criminal. Who would've guessed."

Phar quirks his lips at the Half-Orc's unexpectedly humorous turn of phrase. Stress brings out the most interesting behaviors. Such thoughts only partially distract him from the dire situation of his companions.

"Indeed," Ghal chuckles drily.

Phar puts his keen elven eyes to work helping Aureus, but it is his feet that do the trick as a floor board rocks under his step revealing that it is loose. He bends to the hole. A smile plays across his lips at the sight of platinum in the pouch, but he ignores the coins in favor of the pommel shaped vial which he takes gingerly and wraps carefully in a spare shirt. "This might help the healers figure out the best treatment for our fallen companion", he observes.

"Ah, you've found the poison," Sir Ghal says. "We must get it back to Aeron as quickly as possible."[/COLOR]

The map and note cause his brows to knit in thought. "Well, well, it looks like our ugly friend outside, Odilos I presume, did not follow his orders." He taps the paper in frustration. "But who is the 'bastard son' and the 'breeder'? A couple? Mother and child? Curse this absent scribbler for neither being more specific nor signing his scrawl." He blows out his breath though his nostrils. "I guess we should return to the village and see if there are a pair of relative newcomers, one male, one female in town? I don't expect this little place gets all that many emigres." He shakes is head. "If that fails I guess there is nothing for it be to return to the tower and see if this Odilios made contact with the wereman there. Unless of course there is another in town." He adds ruefully, "We really must get some silver weapons."

"I haven't seen anyone else pass through recently that matches that description," Wieland notes. "This one," he points to the dead wererat. "He didn't mention anything about looking for anyone or knowing any of the locals."

"And the name, Odilos, is definitely not a Falcûnian name, so he's not from Wolffire, no mater what he claimed. That's good to know," Sir Ghal adds. He rubs his chin thoughtfully. "In fact, it sounds more western in origin. He could be from somewhere near Pretensa, maybe."

"The name almost sounds Izmirian," Wieland notes. "But, he didn't speak with an accent. He sounded like he could be from Wolffire."

"Something to figure out later," Sir Ghal says. "As Phar suggests, we need to check in Carnell and see if there are any more strangers lurking around. I doubt it. Visitors rarely go unnoticed." He motions to Wieland. "Find something to wrap the corpse. There might be something in the farmhouse but be careful in there."

The guard nods and rushes up the gulch to the old house while you all wait near the body.

"If we can't find this 'bastard' in Carnell, I think you're right, Phar. You'll have to go back to Gurnard's Head and question the other wererat. He's probably involved or knows something. If you can, bring him back to the village. It doesn't sound like he'll come easily. I can assign you more help. If you come in numbers, he might surrender."

Wieland comes back with an old rug that has seen better days. It is duty and pock-marked. Something has been chewing on its edges. "Lady Pendour should have someone knock that old place down," Wieland suggest. "It smells terrible in there."

"We'll worry about that later," the young knight replies. He works with Wieland and the group to wrap the dead wererat in the old rug. It doesn't take long after that to drag the werebeast up the gulch and sling it over Wieland's saddle. All the other horses were taken back to Carnell, so you have to walk the horse back to the village. The early morning has turned to late morning and Caerth knows it will soon be time for Low Luncheon*. By the time Carnell comes into view, Wieland's stomach is growling.

"I shouldn't have skipped my morning meal," he says while holding the reins of his horse.

OOC: *Commoners eating a daily fare of bread and cheese and some ale or mead. The time for this meal is just before Noon. High Luncheon, in contract, happens between 1 or 2 P.M. and consists of a larger meal shared amongst the community.

 

[Scotley]

Phar shakes his head. "Having met the fellow, I can't picture him surrendering. I hope I am wrong and overwhelming force will motivate him otherwise." On the walk back he has time to consider the words of the others. "We must share what we've learned and hope someone else can fill in a missing piece or two." The smell of blood still fresh in his nostrils he shudders at the talk of food, but says nothing.