Act 1, Scene 4: "To Skald" (Game Thread)

[TristenC]

Lower Skald, The Park: Jerry and Merrick
Merrick leads Jerry to the park. The area is peaceful and sports some evergreen plants and holly; though most of the trees are still bare from the late winter. There are a few people out walking here, but not many as the days are still somewhat chill. My sign? Oh... star telling. Well... it might not mean much to you since you've not heard of my homeland before... or the world it came from, but I was born on the the first Night Eye of Spring Dawning. It's a couple of weeks before the spring equinox. Um... Here in Kartakass I think they'd call that March 3rd... What about you? When is your nameday?


Upper Skald, The Glass Eye: Adrastia, Elsa, Mira and Pyros
Chales quirks an eyebrow at the steel coinage, examining it with interest but ultimately declining it as payment. Pyros responds by dumping handfuls of silver pieces on the counter, which causes the other eyebrow to rise. Looking in surprise between Elsa and the Bard, he turns back to Pyros and murmurs Quite a well-to-do little fella, aren't you lad. Clearing his throat, he counts out the appropriate payment and slides the rest back to the Kender, along with the knives and toad statues. Would you like a little baggie for those, or... He pauses as he notes the plethora of pouches Pyros sports. That steel coin was rather interesting... I've never heard of such a thing, but it certainly looked well-made... What domain does that come from? He asks curiously.

Adrastia glances at the offered gold and gives Mira an odd look. Expenses? She asks quietly, confused. I have what I need... I cannot accept this, I have done nothing for it. As I said, I may have to take to the trail again with little notice.

I think that sounds good. Elsa agrees, At least we found a good place to sell the gem. she adds. Well, looks like we're done here. Where to now? The halfling asks amicably.


====
Pyros pays 55 silver for 2 daggers and 2 toad statues.

[Nocturno]

"Domain?" He looks at Mira "I'm from a tree village outside of Kendermore... We all use Steel there."

Before he could ask about the bag, the items have found their new homes in the Kender's pouches/belts.

[Chris1234]

"Mine's right on the Fall Equinox, Eleint 21. I don't know what that'd be called* here," replies Jerry with a smile. "Look, I was going to to get you something and was looking for an appropriate reason. We can call it a very early nameday present." WIth another smile and a whisper into his ear, "And make it into a Protective Amulet for you."
In a normal voice, the woman continues, "Of course, it has to be of excellent quality. Any idea how good the jeweler's work is here?"

======
*Sept 21

[Jenara]

"I understand, please understand the offer was made with kindness." Mira stuffs the coin into the bag and her belt admiring her braclet with a satisfied look on her face.

"Pyros comes across assorted items." Mira explains in Harmonian, "Thank you for your time." She adds ushering the Kender from the door. "To the Inn and scope it out?" She asks in response to Elsa.

[TristenC]

Lower Skald, the Riverside: Artanis and Cross
The ranger and the dagger mage continue to enjoy the day outdoors.

[Just let me know when you want to move on to the wharf (for fishing) or other business]


Lower Skald, The Park: Jerry and Merrick
Fall solstice? he nods, making a mental note. What? Oh, you don’t have to get me anything, really. He says a little nervous. I don’t really know anything about the jewelers here…
[Jerry might recall that Mira and the others were looking for a jewelers. Perhaps the bard would have more info in that respect]


Upper Skald, The Glass Eye: Adrastia, Elsa, Mira and Pyros
Kendermore… hmm… Chales mutters, scratching his chin. I’m afraid I’ve never heard of it… but Kender… His eyes watch Pyros perhaps more cautiously than before, Is that somewhere in Sithicus perhaps?

The warrior’s countenances softens a little. Of course… thank you for the offer. I… I am not used to others concerning themselves over me unless they expect something. She nods, as if making a decision to herself. Perhaps later I will feel more comfortable about all of this, once we have faced something more than shopping together. She says with a wry smile.

Right, the Inn! Umm… how do we get there? Elsa asks the bard.

Which inn are you trying to find, my dears? Chales asks helpfully.

The Old Kartakan. the Halfling replies.

Ahhh, wonderful place! he says with a smile. Their food is superb, old Beeter is quite the excellent cook, you know. Of course that’s just his nickname. Heinstock is his given name, but everyone calls him ‘Beeter’ because he makes the most delicious things out of beets. It’s the easiest place in the town to find, just follow the road north and East to the waterfalls at the edge of town. He smiles, perhaps reminiscing of a fine meal taken there. His countenance falters only slightly. Yes, the restaurant is quite the place to be. You can end up paying a lot for a table there, but there are less expensive seating options as well… umm… and the Tavern area gets a little rough late into the night, but you should have no troubles during the day.

[Chris1234]

Jerry pats his arm, "Nothing to do with 'have to'. It's what I want to do."
As they stroll round the park, she takes in the sights and the people.
(She's still suspicious that the arrogant types are shape changers.)

[Jenara]

"Shopping is a means to an end, a happy Bard is a good Bard my Mentor used to say." Mira chuckles and pats the woman's back flashing her bracelet grinning.

"No, Pyros does not come from Siticus, I assure you." She interjects her grin remaining while she listens to the directions. "I find myself once again thanking you. I'm glad we came to your shop today." Clasping the gold tightly she slips it in her pouch and Cursteys to Chales. "Perhaps you might Dine there again soon." She suggests moving to the door and taking the directions.

(Outside she gives roughly half of the Coins to Elsa so she doesnt have it all)

[Nocturno]

"No! Why does everyone ask me about that?!" He will mostly be looking at Mira when asking that question.

[Jenara]

"Pyros, Kender from Sitchcus are less friendly than you, they don't realise that you are amazing." Mira explains simply after they leave the shop, one arm wrapped with Elsa.

[kerap]

Artanis decides it's actually time to try and do some real fishing, and spying the wharves beyond he says to Cross: "Let's move to the wharves and have a go at the fishing there. Now that I've rested some from the journey." Artanis gathers his gear, and will wait for Cross before striking off for the wharves.

[Nocturno]

"Sure. Do you an illusion of minnows,
or anything else would help lure some fish?"

[TristenC]

Lower Skald, the Riverside: Artanis and Cross
Artanis collects the gear and the pair move westward towards the docks. No few people take note of the red-haired ranger, though none move to hinder him. The wharves are well maintained and a few people are about. Here the water is cleaner of debris than near the sawmill, and not congested by logs and workmen moving them. The area is much quieter too, overall. Cross ponders a simple illusion of minnows, but the half-elf can spot several places where an empty walkway provides the kind of shady shelter fish tend to prefer on a sunny midday like this.


Lower Skald, The Park: Jerry and Merrick
Merrick shrugs somewhat uncomfortably at the subject. There aren't many people in the park at the moment, and most seem unconcermed by the pair. So… you said you were told something about needing this crown... do you know what you're supposed to do with it? he asks.

[Most of the arrogant ones were in Out Town.]


Upper Skald, : Adrastia, Elsa, Mira and Pyros
Chales nods at Mira's words and gives them a bow as they leave, Always happy tonbe of assistance. Back into the stteet, Mira passes half the coin to Elsa for safekeeping. The four turn East along the side street, then northeast to the larger road which leads them quickly to the river. They can clearly see a small island bridge leading north out of town. Near the dividing central wall they also note a well-to-do wharf.

A marvelous ebony hulled river boat rocks slowly in the water here. Secured to a private wharf with a stout rope, this craft sports a brilliant red canopy to shade the luxurious interior. Every inch of the craft is a masterpiece of artistic design. Although there are a number of other fine ships docked here, none of them compares to this excellent vessel.
The entire area is walled off with a wooden fence. The wood, although clearly old, is well maintained and shows signs of constant upkeep. A single gate, clearly designed more for privacy than to ward off attackers, stands closed with a sturdy lock on it. A small guard shack stands next to the gate with an engraved sign reading "Private docks, keep off" in Harmonian, displayed for all to see. [Area 12]

Turning east again they follow a narrower road running beside the river, leading the, towards the edge of town. Nearing the place, they witness a breathtaking sight. From atop a high, stone cliff, twin waterfalls plunge downward to shatter what might otherwise be a peaceful pond. The roar is incredible, muting all other sounds, and a cloud of mist fills the air.
In the center of the bubbling, churning lake (known locally as The Cauldron) stands a natural stone island. Long ago polished to a smooth, rounded form by the raging water it now supports a proud and stately structure: The Old Kartakan Inn.
The perpetual fog of The Cauldron's waters hangs heavy about the inn, giving the place an almost supernatural look. Here and there, moving bodies can be seen in the mists. The obscuring properties of this shroud, however, make it difficult to tell if they are human or some form of ghostly apparition. [Area 1]

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Areas 12 and 1 added to party knowledge thread, as well as an image of the inn itself.
The below image is more for atmosphere, and not as accurate. The layout of the image in the Party Knowledge thread is accurate

[Chris1234]

"No, not exactly," Jerry replies.
During a lag in the conversation, the priestess listens to see if she can hear the river, or anything else interesting or unusual for that matter.

======
Does she actually have any idea?
I do not recall anything helpful..

[Jenara]

"Nice boat." Mira comments having only ever seen the vessels moored at the piers in Palanthalas, their tall masts filling the skyline, this was different, yet no less Impressive. "So, this inn.. I've been thinking, the task is somewhat vague, I don't think we should commit to anything until she answers a few questions. Like what this thing does and why she actually needs it. Otherwise it's a nice trip to somewhere else that isnt going to get us home." She pauses with a long deep breath admiring the inn with a look of astonishment.

"Interesting place.. ever visited Adrastia? It's a little oppressive if you ask me." She comments as they approach.

[kerap]

As is he standard operating procedure, while enroute to the wharves, Artanis watches and observes, paying particular attention to the defenses of the town. "The fish wouldn't be fooled by an illusion, but thanks for the offer. I think we've found a nice, promising location here." Artanis makes sure he doesn't intrude into anyone else's fishing spot before settling in, baiting the hook and casting a line.

He mentions to Cross: "I found it odd that the town allowed the outer defense wall and the main gate to fall into disrepair. One would think that having an outer wall adds to the town's defenses."