[PBP] Tholestia Chapter 1: Minotaur trouble and a failed ambush

[Sullaf]

To Deepwinter 7 and Diactum in Tarnian: "I thought we agreed we would wait for Sir Ilan to return. After all THAT was YOUR idea Deepwinter 7..." He turns to Diactum: "You do know that 5 gp is more than he earns in a week maybe even a month right...? This could damage our credibility severely. We do not just 'bribe' people for favors." Roland raises one eyebrow while pondering: "For one who pursuits an art which consumes quite a lot of money, you sure seem to have plenty left. Maybe you have acquired so much knowledge that you do not require any more money? In that case I would strongly urge you to donate your money to the church instead of strangers along the road. Perhaps you can make your knowledge to some use. Do you know anything about Minotaurs?

Roland dismounts Simba and stands in front of the shepherd. "Thank you kindly but we will no longer require your services anymore. I couldn't possibly keep you from your work any longer."

When the shepherd left Roland speaks to the party: "As long as we are here we might as well go talk to the priest. Tristan your eyes are sharp so you stand outside on the lookout in case Sir Ilan returns. The rest follow me inside" and with that Roland enters the building.

OOC: To Deepwinter 7: the only language Roland had spoken so far is Amstradan and Tarnian. He is not aware that he speaks Celestial...

OOC: Roland has 2400 gp left, and has loaned Tristan 2000. He only carries 400 gp on him. The rest is located at his parents estates. He tithes 100 gp each month to the church of Heironious which is subtracted from the amount at his parents' house.

 

[takew]

"As you wish my good friend Roland. But I think the elf has run to never come back. Never trust an elf a wise dwarf told me once.... But we will see. 'cause who am I to judge about someone. Heironeous will do that if it comes to it."

OOC: 185 gp is what is left in my pouch. This is after I used the mony that Roland lend me to buy a new sword after what happened to my precious... This is a prerequisite for my character...

 

[Bacter]

Diactum, a bit agitated now, replies to Roland:

Rolly-boy, We have certainly NOT agreed to wait for Ilan to return, because it could take him all day. Deepwinter proposed to visit Highloom in the meantime, as we are doing right now and which is a good idea. Moreover, what I do with my money is my own business and in this particular case: I KNOW that these people are not in a furtunate time right now. Possible attacks by minotaurs and an unfinished harvest right before their holiday. In my honest opinion it was right to give the man some slack and as my present financial status allows, to give him some money. I indeed now that to him it is a large amount, but giving him this amount WAS my intention and I don't think at all that these events damage our credibility. The man seemed very pleased to me and bribing is out of the question. The farmer did us a favor, for which, I think, it is right to pay him an amount of money.

Diactum sighs deeply, as only wizards can and continues:

Well, as for my knowledge on minotaurs, I think I do know some essential things about these creatures

OOC: DM, help me out here and correct me if I'm wrong (knowledge arcane, history a total of 15 each)

as I once was a teacher.

Allright, Rolandia, let's enter the church and find out what the priest Selwick has to say,

[/OOC] I have 883 GP left in my handy haversack [/OOC]

 

[Sullaf]

Rolands face straightens and in an intimidating, with a hint of anger, voice he speaks to Diactum: "My name refers to one of the greatest heroes Amstrad has ever known, if I were you I would NOT make a mockery of my name!" in a more subtle voice he continues: "What you do with your money is your own business, but as a friend I try to help you see that giving one shepherd 5 gp is not entirely fair. For one it just shows your ignorance to one who has to work very hard for 5 gp. Second what will his fellow shepherds say? Or are you willing to compensate all of them 5 gp for showing us the way to the village. Third, this WILL damage our credibility. Thinking otherwise is odd for one praised for his intelligence. then Roland raises his stern voice: "Last, but not least, it was our intention to ALL go into the village. Remember... NO ONE is left behind... EVER, either be it in battle or in this rural mountain village. For all we know he could be dead! If you have forgotten this already I sincerely doubt your sanity. After this Roland marches inside, without looking back.

When he walks past Tristan he remarks without breaking his march: "I do not think a Lord would break his word. Either that or you were right all along..."

OOC: Should I roll Intimidate? Or are you holding on to the idea that skills can't be used against fellow pc's? If so I would like to debate the subject

 

[takew]

"I don't belive that Ilan can be called a Lord in Amstradan. And I think that we should either go and search for him or go on with our investigation. I belive that it should be possible to get some info within an hour or two and our 'good friend' has been gone for at least 6 hours(?) so lets do some research by ourselfs. I could do some tracking if everyone agrees or we could give Ilan the benefit of the doubt and wait a little longer if that is what you guys want..."

And to Roland, silently (which is easy since I am OUTSIDE!!!):
"And you shouldn't take the old wizard too serious for our Diactumpje is just a bit "LOCO" if you get me."

OOC: I take the intimidate to be directed at Diactum

 

[Bacter]

There is no need to search for Ilan, since we have agreed that we would meet at sundown at the horses. I think the elf is in the understanding that we expect him (if necessary) to track all day. And I am not loco! Show some respect for the elderly!

 

[Ravellion]

Knowledge of minotaurs tells you, mostly from the history books, that their society is tribal and they usually do not allow other beings to enter the tribe at all - no half breeds, no ogres no giants, they'll refuse to work with anyone but minotaurs, being very proud of their race. Women of the race are physically weaker and hold an inferior place in society, though they will get battled over by the males.

Some of your arcane knowledge tells you that they are also known for uncanny direction sense and an evil cunning when it comes to mazes and natural cave networks. Minotaurs are believed to even be resistant to the very powerful spell Maze, so cunning are they with their direction sense.

For the rest, standard monstrous humoid fare (Ilan knows the following too): not all too intelligent, very strong, tough and agressive, though having a rudimentary form of civilization.

 

[Ravellion]

The elderly man opens the door to his house, which does not look like a church at all, though there seems to be a well kept shrine to the good aligned gods to the side of his house.

"Visitors? From Delarom perhaps? Yes, I recognise the goldsteel Coat of Arms. Good, good... come in, please, all of you, my house is big enough." The house isn't big enough really. It is crowded with bookshelves, mostly filled with his own journals and copies of various holy texts as well as lots of old furniture. Besides that, it actually not very big. Though there are enough seats to sit down - though you might prefer not to when in full plate armour. "You may sit down if you wish... I am making some tea for you all." The man is in his sixties and his face is haggard. His movements are still quick and well coordinated however, and there is nothing wrong with his posture. He continues talking while making tea over the stove in the kitchen. "I am amazed that you are here already. I just sent a messenger yesterday. Asked him to go through the cover of the forest however, to avoid any possible brigands... Hmmmmm... you are not here because I sent a messenger now are you?"

 

[Ilan]

OOC: Sorry for intruding the storyline with my ventures

I resume with the circles and try to find another clue or track that is not usual. If that leads to nothing I wait until I become visible and head into town.

 

[Ravellion]

Since your becoming visible is still some time in the future you will have to wait a bit longer (ie. there is nothing more you'll find) - I don't mind hopping between places, but time travel is annoying to me.