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Post by DM-Delfon on Oct 7, 2022 15:43:02 GMT -5
Each of the novices tells a little story from their past. Usually from a job they were on, but some are of a more personal nature. One was a soldier briefly, another guarded merchant caravans. One worked with horses, and another worked in a daycare. Some of the stories are funny, but most have an aspect of combat. Arriving under the shadow of Clifton’s walls, you’re all drenched in sweat. The rain begins in earnest, teaming down with sheets of water. It takes less than a minute for you to be drenched ti your skin.
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Post by Greyling on Oct 7, 2022 19:00:52 GMT -5
As the torrent of rain pours down, Venos raises a hand and blocks the water from flooding his eyes. Initially it's welcome as the rain washes off the sweat, mud, and zombie juices. However, as it continues he soaked clothes become heavier.
As they approach the gate, the rogue will address the guards. "Evening gentlemen. We have returned from a guild job."
Turning to the others, "When we're inside, we should try to find cover. Wait out the rain before ferrying over. Hopefully it won't last too long."
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Post by lilmsdarknes on Oct 8, 2022 7:40:58 GMT -5
at first the rain is welcome after their long adventure but at the same time he had only just begun to dry off after their swim only to get soaked again. "a nice hot meal is definetly needed once we are finished. preferably at the well groomed pike." he mutters as he rubs the mud from his holy symbol hanging from his neck.
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Post by Greyling on Oct 8, 2022 13:13:54 GMT -5
Nods at Bert's comment, "a meal at the Well Groomed Pike sounds like a great way to cap off a successful job."
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Post by DM-Delfon on Oct 12, 2022 14:50:28 GMT -5
The two exterior guardsmen see your party approach, but keep themselves just under the archway of the gate where they can stay dry. "Good evening. What's in the..." He trails off as he realizes what you're carrying in the back of the cart. "Oh, um. Hold on. We had a report that you might be coming through here." He slips into the city through the sally port, returning about a minute later with a tarp. "Cover them up so you don't cause a stir on your way through." The first portcullis is lifted and you're party is allowed entry into the wall. As the portcullis closes behind you, you look up at the murder holes and imagine the hot oil that would be poured down on an attacker. The arrow slits in the walls would allow arrows and spears to find their mark. The only comfort for you being here is that it's dry and out of the wind. Once the gate behind is fully closed, the gate in front of you begins to ratchet up.
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Post by lilmsdarknes on Oct 13, 2022 13:25:11 GMT -5
happy to be out of the rain even if its only for a short time he pushes his dripping wet hair out of his face and glances around. glad to be back in the city and out of the jungle. feeling proud of a successful mission and hoping it earns him some points in the temple for doing so well, but at the moment his focus is on getting out of the rain and a warm meal. Then he will be up for hitting the books to figure out more about that cave.
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Post by Greyling on Oct 14, 2022 19:53:39 GMT -5
Smiles at the guards as the accept what's in the cart. The former procurer quietly wondering if they could have slipped something else into the city under the guards' watch. Old habits. Venos thanks the guard as he offers the tarp, "Good thought, sir. Discretion in this matter would be prudent".
He enjoys the momentary break from the rain until Fang vigorously shakes the rain from his fur. Covering his face and sputtering at the spray from the mastiff before chuckling, "aaahhh-haha". When the canine is done, the Hin shakes off some of the excess moisture. Though the gesture seem pointless as the second gate rises, and he remembers that they are heading back out into the rain.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Oct 17, 2022 10:36:09 GMT -5
The rain is still teaming down once the other gate is opened enough that your party can get moving once more. It takes a little longer than usual to get a ferry, seems some of the ferrymen don't work once the rain gets bad enough. Eventually you're loaded onto a ferry and carted across the river. Then begins the long trek up the hill to the High District. That name likely refers to the highborn class that resides there, but from this perspective at the bottom it seems like they really hit the nail on the head for the name. Pushing a cart full of corpses up the wet cobblestones really takes it's toll, especially after traveling through the swamp, fighting and swimming. It's been a long day. You arrive at the Guild Hall, and Bert and the novices are instructed to take the bodies to the Light Shrine for their last rights.
(anything y'all wanna say before you part should happen now!)
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Post by Greyling on Oct 17, 2022 13:52:12 GMT -5
Pushing a cart of dead weight up the wet, steep coddlestone is trickier than one would think. Groaning, Venos remarks, "after the last couple of days I think I'm going to see about one of Yoseph's hot meals, and soak in a warm bath for a few days."
After reaching the guild hall, and instructions are given, he turns to the Palorian and his novices. "I couldn't have done the job without you all. Well... I could have, but it would have taken four times as long and would have been immeasurably less entertaining," he says with a smirk. "I'll ask around about what brought that group into that creepy cave. If you find out what killed them, or what made them walk again, I can be reached through the guild or the Well Groomed Pike."
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Post by lilmsdarknes on Oct 22, 2022 9:58:50 GMT -5
"it was definetly an adventure." he says and smiles, holding out his hand for a hand shake." if i figure anything else about the caves the door at the bottom of the water i'll let you know aswell" he says as he shakes venos hand before he and the novices head for the light shrine to give the bodies their last rights and begin their investigations.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Oct 27, 2022 7:29:08 GMT -5
You get a chorus of similar replies from the novices, mostly to the effect that a hot meal, a warm bath and some sleep are exactly what is needed to set them right. They all nod at your instructions and take their leave, following Bert as he leads them toward the Light Shrine. You watch them go from the relative comfort of the front doorway of the Guild Hall. At least you're not being rained on here. Once inside you're shown to the room that's been assigned to you. This place does have quite a few amenities, including a room with four bath tubs, a large hearth and a spigot for drawing water from a well or cistern below the manor. There is a sort of servant under the employ of the Guild, and they can run you a hot bath for a silver or your can run it yourself for free. The servant is Goliath woman that's missing her right foot just above the ankle. A short peg has been affixed to the stump so she can walk levelly. She carries herself like a warrior though, and definitely does not have the manner of a servant.
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Post by Greyling on Oct 31, 2022 9:50:53 GMT -5
As temporary crew left, he give any that look back a friendly wave bye. Inside, Venos offers the woman a warm smile. Having to tilt his head up more than usual considering she was probably three times his size. "Good evening, ma'am. Are you available to help draw a hot bath?"
Assuming she agrees, he pays her the silver piece. As the bath water is collected and warmed, the Hin makes small talk. Seeming in passing he tries to subtly find out how long she's been working in 'servant duty', and if there is a competent engineer in Clifton. When the bath is ready, he pills his belongings beside the tub (still within arms reach), and slowly sinks into the warm water. Sighing at how the warmth of the liquid spreads through his aching muscles.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Nov 2, 2022 8:17:54 GMT -5
The Goliath woman nods when you ask about the bath, holding her hand out for the silver and slipping it into a pouch at her side. She then introduces herself as she leads you to the bathing chamber, "I am known as Nalnea Ganu, though around here they just call me Flintheart." She pumps some water into a caldron, and carries it over to the hearth with one hand. The caldron is almost as big as you are. She sets it down to grab a glove and takes another caldron out of the hearth. Without setting down the hot one, she grabs the cold one and sets it over the fire to start the warming process. Then she carries the hot water to the tub, and pours it in about half way. "How hot do you want the bath? You look soaked from the rain, so pretty hot, yeah?" Between the steaming caldron and a smaller bucket she carefully sets the temperature to what you want, then moves behind a privacy screen so you can have a moment to change unobserved. The two of you chat idly as long as you seem to want to do so. She informs you that she's a member of the Adventurer's Guild just like you. She lost her foot when she stepped in a puddle that turned out to be an Ooze. After that, it was hard to keep up with the others, so she thought it best to retire. She's been with the Guild here for two years, almost one of which in her new role.
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Post by Greyling on Nov 2, 2022 12:42:35 GMT -5
Venos instructed Fang to stay near the hearth to allow the fire to warm the beast.
"Just below cooking me alive," he says with a smirk and chuckle. "Thanks, Flintheart. I'm Venos Amass. That's Fang." Giving condolences to her misfortune with the ooze. It was a horrible way for one's adventuring career to be impeded. However, the four who's bodies he just returned were impeded more permanently. "Do you get a chance to do any local jobs? Perhaps helping acting as a lookout, or tracking movement of suspicious individuals in town? Work where movement wouldn't be as much a factor."
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Post by DM-Delfon on Nov 9, 2022 12:24:10 GMT -5
She pours two near boiling caldrons into a tub, and sets a bucket of the cold water nearby. "That should about cook you. When you're done, the water will be brown and your skin will be red." She laughs then, a deep but pleasant rumble. When you ask about other work, she shrugs, "I tried that once I got used to this thing." She says glancing down at her short peg, "But this type of life is so fluid. You never know when things are going to change like that." She snaps her fingers, and it is surprisingly loud in the quiet space. You strip off and try to get into the water, but it's almost too hot. You have to enter inch by inch, gritting your teeth the entire time. Once you're fully submerged though the filth and the tension both just flow right off of you. "If you want a hand, I'll give you a through scrub. No funny business though, and you're washing your own arse."
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Post by Greyling on Nov 9, 2022 22:05:23 GMT -5
He gives a genuine smile as she helps, and laughs with her. "We'll need a few vegetables from the kitchen to make a stew." Nodding in agreement at how quickly the requirements of their line of work can change. "You're right. One big positive I can see to having you here at the guildhall. Security. I know I feel safer."
Entering the bath is slow... and painful. The sensation of filth and tension dissolving is worth initial discomfort. He closes his eyes and lets out a sigh of relief. Venos tilts his head back until his hair is wet. "I'd appreciate a thorough scrub. I think I can handle everything below my belt."
As Nalnea begins scrubbing, he says with a smirk, "since funny business is off the table... how about gossip? I've been out of town for a day or two. Any new happenings around town?" He gently fishes for information. Making sure that no more mages have gone missing, or found dead. Also, trying to read her reaction to know how she feels about the mages.
__________ Mechanics Persuasion 2+5 (or +3 if just charisma) Insight 15+2
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Post by DM-Delfon on Nov 17, 2022 10:18:27 GMT -5
"I would not eat a stew that came from your water. You smell of swamp, and of blood, and of something rotten. No offence." Nalnea moves in once you're settled in the water. She has a collection of sponges and cloths that she makes use of as she thoroughly cleans your upper body. She has very strong hands, and when she scrubs you feel as though your muscles themselves are being washed. With a practiced hand she tilts your head back, and supports it with a hand on the back of your neck and skull as she scrubs the filth from your hair. Before long you're clean from head to navel. She shifts to the lower portion of the tub, fishing in the water until she finds a foot. You do notice that she's remarkably professional, keeping her gaze either away or on your face as she works. She scrubs at your legs and feet, stopping high enough to be familiar, but low enough to not be indecent. You're almost embarrassed when she withdraws her arms from the filthy water and a film of gross coats her flesh. She moves to a wash basin and cleans herself up quickly enough. Seems like this isn't the first time she has cleaned swamp or blood from herself or someone else.
As to the gossip, and information you sought. She's not much for gossip, though she admits that she hears enough of it in the course of her duties. She doesn't mind answering direct questions though. She has no issues with mages that you can ferret out, with guild mages having used magic to save her life on more than one occasion. Two more mages have gone missing since you left. One was later found dead, and the other is still unaccounted for as of yet. The Mage's Guild has implemented some changes, forcing it's students to travel as a class whenever possible. Personal trips into Clifton are limited, and the Pins send squads of men to escort mages when outside the Guild itself. It's your best estimate that she's forthcoming with her information, and truthful in it's telling.
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Post by Greyling on Nov 17, 2022 15:45:23 GMT -5
The small man gives a friendly chuckle, "no offence taken". As the large woman apply her practiced skill, more than mud, filth and aches melt away. Soon he found himself actually relaxing. As much as he'd ever allow himself to relax. An absentminded sigh escaping before he had the presence of mind to hold it back. He respected her professionalism, and didn't want her to misinterpret. A awkward smile at seeing the film coating her arm. Especially knowing where he'd been, and what he'd been swimming in.
Ted comes to mind at the general news about the mages. One found dead, and another missing. He was surprise at the development in such a short time. "I feel infinitely better, and cleaner. Almost presentable," adding a smirk. It wasn't entirely true. Oh, he felt better physically. However, a small measure of guilt attempted to find a foothold. Finishing his previous job may have cost one life, possibly two. If he hadn't gone though, Bert and the novices might have faired worse. He pushes the guilt aside. "A silver seems an undervalue of your help. After I finish cleaning myself, I'm going to see about getting some of Yoseph's delicious cooking at the Well-Groomed Pike. Have you eaten yet?"
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Post by DM-Delfon on Nov 24, 2022 19:47:59 GMT -5
Once she's finished she sits on her stool, but this time she's sitting back on to give you your privacy, "You will be presentable once your clothing is clean. Do you have a change of clothes? If you don't, I can lend you a robe while I get your clothes laundered and mended. It would be another two silver pieces, one for the cleaning, and one to patch up the damage." Whether you accept her new offer or not she responds to your offer of food, "I have not eaten, but the Pike is an awfully long walk in the weather we're having right now. If you want to join me downstairs once you're decent. The food here isn't anything to write home about, but the portions are large and you don't have to walk for a half hour in the rain."
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Post by Greyling on Nov 27, 2022 11:41:27 GMT -5
Once she looks away, he begins cleaning his more personal areas. "Extra clothes, no. I should perhaps get some. I guess it'd be a shame to put dirty clothes back on after you went through the ordeal of cleaning me so well." He awkwardly chuckles, "I'll accept the loan of the robe, and cleaning service too."
His stomach grumbles at the mention of food. His cheeks redden from embarrassment. "A meal here would be agreeable this evening. Thank you again, Nalnea."
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Post by DM-Delfon on Nov 30, 2022 22:47:23 GMT -5
She gestures to a robe hanging over the back of a chair, close at hand to the tub. Once you’re dressed she collects your coin and asks you to lift a small plug in the bottom of the tub. “I will return shortly with something to tide you over until your clothing is taken care of. You can wash the film off in the basin where I did.” She gestures to the same basin where she washes off earlier. Then she scoops up your filthy tattered clothing and heads out of the room. Her head is leaned back as if to get as far from your garments as possible.
For the moment you are alone in a large bathroom, wearing only a robe.
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Post by Greyling on Dec 1, 2022 10:29:54 GMT -5
Keeping his modesty covered, he collects the nearby robe and draping it around himself as he steps out of the tub. Then collecting his coins as he separates the rest of his equipment from his dirty clothes, and handing the coin to the woman. Nodding in response the request for him to pull the plug.
After she leaves, reaches into the tub. Keeping his balance as with shorter arms than the Goliath he has to sink more of his arm into the filthy water. Then quickly makes his way to the basin to wash his arm clean again. Tucking the robe under himself, Venos takes a seat on the floor beside his equipment. Laying a dagger across his lap, as he pulls out his dice set to occupy himself while he waits.
Fang breathes heavy from where he's fallen sleep in the corner.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Dec 8, 2022 19:07:30 GMT -5
You stand up in the tub, letting the water spill off your body before you climb out of the tub. The air in the room is cool after the heat of the water. The robe helps a little, but leaves a draft that creeps up the legs. The tiny bit of fresh air really drives home how much you stank once you lean over the water to pull out the plug. You clean the filth off of your arms, check on Fang and then pull out you dice. You get about two dozen rolls in before you hear a knock at the door. A brief pause, and the door opens to reveal the Goliath holding a neatly folded stack of your clothes. She drops them off and moves to sit on her stool with her back turned. Glancing at the pile you see your clothes are clean and tidy. They look almost new, with no signs of damage or tearing. Once you're dressed, and you inform her that you're descent she stands and leads you down to the tavern like room you've passed through a few times now. "Ale." She says, gesturing toward herself, "And a meal please."
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Post by Greyling on Dec 10, 2022 8:50:27 GMT -5
Impressed to the edge of disbelief, the Hin discreetly checks a couple unique stitches of the clothes just to confirm they are the same clothes he gave her. "Impressive work. Pass on my compliments to whomever work is this thorough."
As they walk into the tavern, or mess hall, Venos looks around the room and spares a civil smile to anyone with whom he makes eye contact. Turning to the server after Flintheart finishes her order, "water for me, and a meal as well, please". Then heads to the closest unoccupied table.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Dec 20, 2022 18:01:48 GMT -5
"We have a couple mages on retainer, they can use their magic to mend and clean things much faster than a laundress and seamstress can do." Once downstairs you place your order and move to an unoccupied table. The room has more faces in it than it did before, almost like the weather outside is keeping people from traveling to far away from their bunks. The mood in here is a mixture of quiet contemplation and boisterous competition. There are games of chance being played at a couple of the tables, and two other tables have people reading or writing quietly by themselves. Flintheart flumps heavily into a chair at your table, and immediately puts her feet up on the chair opposite her and beside you. "So how did you come to the city at the edge of the Empire?" She asks while you both wait for your food.
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Post by Greyling on Dec 24, 2022 22:55:18 GMT -5
Venos keeps most of his attention on his dining companion. Though noting the games of chance going on at a couple other tables. He didn't have much to bet. Though that just made part of him try to rationalize that that was the best time to gamble. Nothing to lose, means everything to gain.... No. No, I still have my life, and I gamble that enough in this line of work. That was part of why he choose to be an adventurer. To hedge his gambling habits.
Smiling at Flintheart as she inquires about his past. "The short answer, a woman. For reasons unknown it seems she wants me dead. How about yourself?"
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Post by DM-Delfon on Feb 2, 2023 19:02:15 GMT -5
She smiles, "I should have guessed woman, though I bet you actually know why she wants you dead." She holds up both hands in a stopping motion, "You keep your secrets. I don't actually want to know. As for me, I was born here. Grew up here. I have barely left the city except on jobs for the Guild." Your food arrives, looking tasty if a little greasy. "Tell me a story from your past and if I can't top it I'll buy you a shot. If I can, you buy me a shot."
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Post by Greyling on Feb 5, 2023 22:37:28 GMT -5
Venos chuckled at Flintheart's reaction. Guessing that women were common reason for men to go to the fringes of civilization.
Thanking the server, the Hin begins eating like a man who hadn't had food for days. Trudging through the swamp had indeed worked up an appetite. Chuckling again when Nalnea suggests the wager. "Sure, why not." Taking a moment to recall story, and slows his eating to a reasonable pace for storytelling. "There was one strange job that comes to mind. I was hired by mage. Seems his daughter's doll went missing. Not something I usually handle, but I needed the coin and hoped it would lead to better jobs. I assumed it was misplaced, but it wasn't anywhere in the residence. No signs of a break in, however one lock at the backdoor was undone... from the inside.
"It took some searching, and lucky, but outside I found small marks. A trail for me to follow. They led halfway across town before I ended up at a pastry shop. Inside I found the doll trapped in a barrel. A detail the mage failed to mention was that the doll was a miniature golem. Apparently the girl had been denied dessert one night, so it had gone to the shop to get jelly tarts for her."
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Post by DM-Delfon on Feb 23, 2023 19:06:45 GMT -5
Nalnea whistles through her teeth, "That is indeed a good story. I've only ever encountered one doll in an unexpected place, but some men will do anything for companionship." She leaves the rest unsaid, but it was enough for you to imagine what she saw that day. "That's not my story, just an observation. If we're doing stories about golems though, I think I have one. My party and I were tasked with tracking down a grave robber. We suspected a necromancer, since the bodies were taken as well as any valuables left with the body. We get to this creepy cave a few miles out from town where we find the mage, who oddly wasn't a necromancer. This guy is a transmuter, and he's stitched a bunch of bodies together and animated his creation. Imagine a person, but instead of legs, this thing has four arms. A second face with a working mouth is where the stomach should be. Six more arms, two where they should be, with another two below the first, and the last two come from the back. The thing scurried around like a spider. He could even crawl up the bloody walls."
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Post by Greyling on Feb 28, 2023 22:18:31 GMT -5
Venos smiles. Clearly pleased that his dinner company enjoyed his story. Then nodding while trying very hard to suppress a chuckle, "I... that sounds awkward." Relief washes over him when Nalnea indicates that wasn't her story, "oh, thank goddess."
As she tells her golem story, he stares into his food. Tilting his head this way and that as he attempts to visualize the transmuter's creation. "Okay, that's just... why?" He shakes his head as if to shuffle off the mental image, and the questions it raised. "Well, I'll concede you the win on that one. Shots on me," he motions the server over and orders 2 shots. One for each of them, and pays the server (4sp for his meal and 4 shots). "Do me a favour though. Hold off on telling anyone else that story for a while. The mages seem to be a point of tension of late, and that one doesn't paint them in the most positive light." He smiles friendly.
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