Kulan: Knightfall's Crisis in Bluffside Game [IC]

[Knightfall]

THE UNDERCITY:

Tuck sighs despite himself.

”Legend Lore, yes, that’s it. A shame, but perhaps by the description we have, you may know more than us, regardless,” the kobold replies, and he tells the bard about what the injured young guard has seen.

He then looks at Akos, sensing his companion knows of at least one person that the kovfe maker mentioned, with a peculiarly arched ridge above his left eye...

OOC: I’m assuming he petted Mutt the riding dog, or did I miss the arrival of a dire cat on the stage? Mutt sure wouldn’t...

"It sounds like the young man had quite the fright," Jam muses. "To me, it sounds like he encountered some sort of mossy troll or shambling mound. Yes, more likely the latter, I think. Of course, anything is possible. That part of the Gardens is a lot 'darker' than most people realize. Young lovers and happy families do not go into those overgrown thickets. There is a lot of wildness in there. If you try to hunt it, be very careful. Hmm, there is one more thing it could have been, if it was as large as you say." He shakes his head. "But that is so unlikely. Still, it could have been one of the treefolk, a treant. But I've never heard of one of them living in a city before. No, it's more likely to have been a very large shambling mound or a troll or ogre covered in moss. Hmm, or maybe a half-plant of some kind. Such things are rare but possibe."

OOC: The dire cat is a regular at Jam's cafe. It is sort of a unofficial pet. Mutt and the cat have met before and that first encounter didn't go well, for either of them. Now, the two animals tend to tolerate each other but just barely. If they were left alone, it would turn into a chase through the market.

"Thank you for the information."
He adds to Tucks description as he can before returning to the matter of the casters.
"I've heard about the loremaster obviously, but I never met him in my time here. Master wizard is obviously a famous personage. But I've never heard about Master Mortin. Where could one find such a person?

And when we're at the topic of monsters...you wouldn't happen to know something about the trolls, would you? It seems my learning is lacking in the department of trollage."

"As I said, it could be a troll, but it could just as likely been a ogre that got into the Gardens somehow. It likely wouldn't be one of larger troll species. Regular trolls tend to live in the coldest of mountain ranges but there are some in the mountains surrounding Bluffside and along the bluff itself. More likely is a forest troll. They're less vicious but more intelligent and are smaller in stature. Yes, a forest troll could live in there unseen by all but the most observant of tenders of the Garden. There is no way a mountain troll could go unobserved in the Gardens, unless it was a hunchbacked runt. Very unlikely. No, if it is a giant of some sort, then I think you're probably dealing with an ogre with a bad case of greenrot."

He looks back to Tuck. "Your description makes me suspect an ogre, if it isn't a plant creature. If it is a plant monster then it's likely a large shambling mound. If it is that, lightning won't hurt it. Remember that."

(Someone who has a handy diceroller please gimme a d20 roll, and I'll look up my character sheet and tell ye GM what to add to it. Sorry to hear about your OOC woes, dude; glad to have you back.)

(Uh oh, I've not been getting notifcations here. I'll be back to check on things in a few days, as I unfortunately have to get to work now, and am not sure when I'll have time to get online again; tomorrow is possible but far from guaranteed.)

@Knightfall Okay, I don't have any ranks in K:Local, but my very kind proxy Mr. Hawke did roll a 19 on my behalf, so if this is "common knowledge" (DC 10 or less), then I've definitely got it covered by more than 5, even before you add my +5 intelligence modifier. (Which is a lot more unusual here in 3E than it would be over in 5E, where humans just have to pass level 4 and boost that 17 they rolled all the way up to the highest possible value).

OOC: Relgar met Master Hassenforth with Big Tim and the previous PCs in the old Growers' Gate tower where Phelix had written his evil scrawls on the inside walls of the tower. Master Hassenforth was one of the people brought in to take a look at the insane script, and he gave some insights as to what he thought and who might be able to help the PCs get through the portal into the madman's enclave. The idea of a legend lore never came up with him, so Relgar isn't sure if the man could cast it. (Eclipso did note to Relgar that Master Hassenforth seemed quite powerful when Relgar and the others were dealing with him.)

 

[Knightfall]

OLD CITY:

Tim smiles, and offers, "Quite the opposite, my lord. I admire your pragmatism. You don't mince words, and you mean what you say. That's a rare quality in this day and age. And I'd like to offer you my services, once the renegade has been dealt with; I would consider it an honor to be of service to you. I can go as far afield in search of this cure as you need me to; I'm no stranger to travel."

Tim bows politely.

"Hmm, I will consider your offer," the lord replies. "If I'm still around once you've finished your current service, we shall discuss it, over dinner of course."

Custodio salutes the old soldier and tells him he'll pass on Lord Raupach's message to the Lord Commander.

Custodio and Big Tim leave him relaxing in his chair and head out of the compound and back into the wide and packed streets of Old City. The streets are more crowded than before as the day turns to the afternoon. Custodio suggests stopping off at Oakfirst Manor to get a bite to eat before heading out of the district to New City and then down into the Undercity. The halfling butler named Carter greets you nearly as soon as you enter; it's almost as if he sensed your arrival, although he asks where the others are. He has the table set out with tons of food and quickly moves pack some of it up once he learns where the two young warriors are off to next.

"I should also tell you that I received a message from your temple, Master Custodio. Sir Silvon is looking for you and he seems quite insistent that you report to him immediately." He hands the young avenger the message and Custodio reads it with a blank expression.

"Now, of all times. Bah, politics. I've been sending him my updates regularly. Why do I have o waste time with this now." He sighs and shakes his head. "I might have to catch up with you," he says to Tim. "But... you might get lost down there. It can be tight quarters and there are scoundrels just waiting to pluck a purse or slip a dagger. No, I think I should get you there and then go see Sir Silvon."

Elsewhere:

Breva listens attentively and with mounting anger at Sir Silverton's words. "A fiend of the first order to be sure." After more consideration he adds. "The Long Con, so this man is a planner, a deep thinker, he muses.

"It sounds as if the city has been forced to just react to his dark plots, with little time to consider what his aims might be. I wonder what he could be seeking? I will not underestimate him or his followers in my quest."

"By your leave I will set off for the old city and Custodio Vecchi now. The Purifier guide my steps." He bows and sets off at a brisk pace if there is nothing else from Sir Silverton.

It doesn't take Breva long to find his way to the gates of Old City and after he asks the gate guards for the whereabouts of Custodio, he is quickly told that the young man is likely at a old house called Oakfirst Manor.

"If he's not there, then the Lord Commander's staff will likely know. Just show them these credentials, and they'll point you in the right direction, " a young female guard of tall, gnomish stock tells Breva. "Ask for either Carter or Lavia. When you find him, he won't be wearing his guard uniform, however. He's persona-non-grata among the Elite right now, but rest of us Regulars are keeping him and his allies in our prayers."

 

[Scotley]

Breva takes the credentials with a nod. "I am glad to hear you haven't given up on Custodio. I hope I can help him return to his duties. Thank you for your help."

He moves off smartly and soon finds himself at the door of Oakfirst Manor. "Breva Sciarra. I am here to see Custodio Vecchi." He presents the credentials and smiles politely.

 

[Neurotic]

THE UNDERCITY:
"As I said, it could be a troll, but it could just as likely been a ogre that got into the Gardens somehow. It likely wouldn't be one of larger troll species. Regular trolls tend to live in the coldest of mountain ranges but there are some in the mountains surrounding Bluffside and along the bluff itself. More likely is a forest troll. They're less vicious but more intelligent and are smaller in stature. Yes, a forest troll could live in there unseen by all but the most observant of tenders of the Garden. There is no way a mountain troll could go unobserved in the Gardens, unless it was a hunchbacked runt. Very unlikely. No, if it is a giant of some sort, then I think you're probably dealing with an ogre with a bad case of greenrot."

OOC: (Eclipso did note to Relgar that Master Hassenforth seemed quite powerful when Relgar and the others were dealing with him.)

"Thank you about the analysis, lets hope it is something more benign than at troll. And you didn't mention how we can find Master Harvess Mortin...if you don't mind, we won't bother you much longer."

 

[JustinCase]

Tuck holds on to Mutt's fur as he notices the dire cat so close to the dog. Not that the little kobold stand any chance to hold back the canine should it decide to move up to its feline adversary, but the gesture calms Tuck down a bit.

"So an ogre or a troll, or perhaps a plant creature of sorts. Not really my forte, those wilderness creatures. But you're pretty sure it's not some monster of legend intend on world destruction or something? That's a relief, I guess."

He nods to Akos. "Indeed, we need to report back and see if we can find someone to cast that spell. Just to be sure, of course."

 

[Knightfall]

OLD CITY:

Breva takes the credentials with a nod. "I am glad to hear you haven't given up on Custodio. I hope I can help him return to his duties. Thank you for your help."

He moves off smartly and soon finds himself at the door of Oakfirst Manor. "Breva Sciarra. I am here to see Custodio Vecchi." He presents the credentials and smiles politely.

A middle-aged halfling woman comes to the door and looks at you quizzically. "Is Mr. Vecchi expecting you? What business do you have with him?" Then she notes Breva's attire and decides to let him into the the manor's anteroom. "Mr. Vecchi is reading the last message Sir Silvon sent him. We are sorry if your commander feels slighted. The previous two messages he sent went astray, it seems. One never arrived and might have been stolen between the Temple District and here. The second one was forwarded to another household where Mr. Vecchi and his companions moved to for a short time. I don't think he ever saw it." She pauses and bows to Breva. "Let your goodly lord and master known that we apologize for any inconvenience this has caused him and Mr. Vecchi."

Another middle-aged halfling enters the anteroom through the double doors in front of Breva. The halfling man pushes open the doors with ease. He stops just past the door and looks at you calmly. Two men step through the door behind him. One is obviously Custodio Vecchi; his attire is that of an adventuring priest although his clothes are muted for one of his station. The other man is tall and fit. He almost has to duck his head to come through the doorway.

"Lavia, who is this man?"

"He says his name is Breva Sciarra. I think he is from the Purifier temple. He wishes to see Mr. Vecchi, so I assume it has to do with the lost messages from Sir Silvon."

"Lost messages? There were others besides this one," Custodio asks holding up the parchment.

The halfling man sighs. "Yes, it seems your commander has been trying to get a hold of you for some time now. We're not entirely sure what happened to the other messages. Someone may have intercepted them."

"And my reports to Sir Silvon?"

"They were sent out but I haven't been able to determine if he's received them or not."

Custodio sighs and shakes his head. "No wonder he wants me to come see him. He must be irate by now." He looks at Breva. "I do not think I know you, sir. I am the person you seek and this is my friend and ally, Tim Valencia. There is little time to detour to the Temple District; we are trying to get ahead of a renegade sorcerer who has caused a lot of heartache to the city. We have allies in the Undercity seeking someone who cast cast a legend lore spell. That's where we're headed right now." He pauses. "Hmm, Sir Silvon should know about the lost messages."

"I will go to see him and apologize personally for the lost messages," the halfling man assures. "Do not let this stop you from your mission."

"Thank you, Carter," Custodio replies. "I hop that will be enough for him." He looks at Breva. "I'm sorry you came for nothing. But, as long as you're here, what news from the temple?"

UNDERCITY:

"Thank you about the analysis, lets hope it is something more benign than at troll. And you didn't mention how we can find Master Harvess Mortin...if you don't mind, we won't bother you much longer."

"Harvess Mortin runs a magic shop, called Pinnacle, out on Sordadon. If you head to the Cavern Harbor, you should be able to take a boat out to that floating morass. His shop is in the Harbor District. It's a two-story tower and isn't hard to find." He scratches the dire cats chin and the large feline purrs loudly. "While it might be convenient for you to get there from here, you should probably try speaking to Master Hassenforth in the Temple District first. Mortin isn't going to help you for free but he'll probably be able to cast the spell or have a scroll you can buy. If you go to see him, be careful. He's got a reputation and most of it isn't good."

Tuck holds on to Mutt's fur as he notices the dire cat so close to the dog. Not that the little kobold stand any chance to hold back the canine should it decide to move up to its feline adversary, but the gesture calms Tuck down a bit.

"So an ogre or a troll, or perhaps a plant creature of sorts. Not really my forte, those wilderness creatures. But you're pretty sure it's not some monster of legend intend on world destruction or something? That's a relief, I guess."

He nods to Akos. "Indeed, we need to report back and see if we can find someone to cast that spell. Just to be sure, of course."

"Oh, I'm fairly sure you don't have to worry about some sort of legendary creature lurking in the Gardens. While it's a big place, it's not that big. Use caution. Even a shambling mound can be a nasty opponent." Jam looks at Tuck. "I hope you're going with more than just the three of you." He looks at Relgar whose been sitting quietly this entire time. "He doesn't say much, does he?" He whispers to Tuck.

 

[JustinCase]

"It's your charm that has enchanted him, I'm sure," Tuck jokes, winking at Relgar - which appears as nothing more than blinking with the one eye that is visible from the side due to the draconic shape of the kobold's head.

"Let's return to the others for our findings, then," the little urban ranger says to his companions. "And bring them along, because as Jam pointed out, I don't want to face that shambling troll-ogre with just the three of us."

Grinning at the minstrel, Tuck says, "Thanks again, my friend. How much for the drinks and the conversation?"

 

[Envisioner]

Relgar tags along, looking sleepily checked-out.

 

[Neurotic]

"Thank you for your help, master Jam. We'll let you know what we find. May be good for a story or two."

"Returning to the others...boring. We should have some way to update each other and meet directly in the Gardens." Akos thinks as they walk back

 

[Tellerian Hawke]

Tim bows, and says, "I am pleased and honored to meet you, I am new here in town, so you'll probably hear me saying that quite a bit, but it is true, nevertheless. I guess you could say that I am working for Commander Oakfirst, although I am not exactly a mercenary. I am a knight, and a soldier, and since I am so far from my homeland, I have had to find some sort of gainful employment, serving a just and benevolent cause; and at the moment, that cause involves finding this renegade sorcerer, and putting an end to his conniving and treachery."