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

[Nocturno]

"Yes, that does seem peculiar. Considering the super natural entities of the canine variety."

Pyros obviously not being able to read the sign will start to turn the wheels of his rougish mind into how to get to the boat.

His pace will lag behind the rest as he stares.

[Jenara]

"Pyros. Let's take a look at the Inn, imagine how interesting it will be. I think they would be rather.. upset if you tried getting to the pier" Mira comments as she turns around and watches the Kender in concern.

[TristenC]

Lower Skald, the Wharf: Artanis and Cross
Artanis keeps an eye out for town defenses, the only things he can see are the massive rushing river to the north, the natural cliffs to the east, and the walls

[Just so there is no confusion. The wall and gates creating the southern border of town are whole and in good repair. There is an old section of wall beyond that that is not, which was part of an old keep that was torn down when the new wall was built and expanded (some of the old stones were used in building the new wall). If you look at the town map it helps a bit. The town is fully enclosed by either river, cliff or walls.]


Lower Skald, The Park: Jerry and Merrick
Jerry listens, and hears the river faintly to the North and West.

[She only recalls that the ghostly gypsy Magda told her that she needed the Crown of Souls to destroy the creature her father became. She was not told how to use the crown to do so, but she knows it is a powerful artifact.]


Upper Skald, The Old Kartakan Inn: Adrastia, Elsa, Mira and Pyros
Mira muses about their situation as she tries to steer Pyros away from the upper wharves.

Elsa nods along, Yeah, all Akriel said was that the Crown was some powerful artifact that her family had lost long ago... And that she thought her true love Doctor Dominiani could use it to save her from the woodsman that we saw attacking her... But Jerry said she was searching for a crown to use against her father... who... She winds down, half-glancing at Adrastia, ... who turned to evil... Elsa shifts uncomfortably. I was kind of hoping we could use it to get back home. Maybe this doctor will know something about it... she seemed to think he could do almost anything with it.

Adrastia cuts the Halfling an odd look but says nothing about it. No, I haven't... I prefer to avoid towns unless I must. She shrugs at the remark about oppressiveness. I suppose... it doesn't seem that unusual to me, but things here are perhaps not the same as your homeland.

The party crosses a small bridge to the tiny island, waters and mist tumbling and spraying around in a constant tumult like a boiling caldron. The roar of the waters nearly deafens all sound, and conversation becomes untenable. The front of the inn is bordered by a post-fence guiding them to a short set of stairs that leads up to an octagonal tower attached to the front. The group also not a rather plain small door to one side, obviously a servant's entrance.

Elsa approaches the main entrance. Pushing aside the heavy oak doors of the inn releases a shuddering creaking noise and
reveals an entrance chamber. Here the roar of the waters is still audible, but not overwhelming. Set back on either side is a hat rack next to a bench. Alcoves jut off on both sides of the benches where various coats and outer garments hang. The room is unusually dark and the odor of wet leather hangs in the air. At the far end of the room is another set of heavy looking doors. Seeing the next set of doors, Elsa opens them as well.

The thick, oaken doors leading into this are from the cloak room open with almost no sound to reveal a long hallway. The odor of cooking is sweet in the air, sparking memories of fine meals and relaxing evenings with friends. The basic decor of the area is elegant, but in a modest and unassuming way. Light is provided by a series of fine lamps secured high on walls. Beside the hall's entrance on the south wall is a small alcove in which several shawls and other delicate garments hang.

To the east is an arched hallway leading down some steps and ending in a thick, heavy curtain of some dark brown fabric. You can hear a pair of low voices coming from beyond it and the inviting smell of fine spirits is strong. To the north, a clerk works behind a desk, obviously handling the affairs of the inn. Behind him, a hallway runs into the heart of the building. To the west, is a busy dining section with a number of tables set out for the guests. The smell of cooking clearly comes from this area.

The area West is obviously a dining hall. It is naturally lit by large windows along its North and South sides. Well constructed tables are scattered about this room in an orderly manner. Despite the fact that they are modestly set, a short, thick candle burns inside a sphere of red glass at the center of each table. At first glance, it is easy to mistake these pinpoints of light for the burning eyes of feral creatures. The smell of good food, while present throughout the inn, is overwhelming here.

It is easy to see why the Old Kartakan Inn has acquired its reputation for fine dining. At this hour the tables are mostly full, though there is one group of people rising to leave. The hall stretches westward to a finer dining area separated by a column, and dining bays in sunken alcoves near the windows. The view of the waters and rolling mist is fantastic and far less damp inside.


[Time is about 2:00 pm according to the town clock-tower]
[Bottom left on the exterior image of the inn is South]
[The dotted line indicates a lower area.]

[Chris1234]

After musing for a while, Jerry completes her reply to Merrick, whispering, "No, dear. I only know that I must find the Crown of Souls to defeat that thing. I do not know any more nor how to employ it."

A short while later she says, "I was thinking about the town wall. The outside was destroyed by not rebuilt. Perhaps those it was meant to keep out are now inside. Perhaps the purpose of the inside wall is now to keep some of those that remain inside. What do you think?"

[Jenara]

"My Homeland has a different kind of oppresion." Mira suggests with a Shrug. "It seems too.. I really don't know, but where I come from things like this dont happen, so I am going to reserve judgement." She explains to Elsa, stepping inside.

Her eyes go wide as she crosses the threshold, this was not a place she belonged, a simple girl from Haven... she marvels at the building with keen interest the smells rising up to reach her nostrils as she gets closer. "I feel poorer even steping inside this place."

[Nocturno]

Pyros reluctantly agrees and follows to the Inn. He will be wide eyed at the interior.

Letting out a low whistle, "A bit much for me. But this is pretty amazing."

[TristenC]

Lower Skald, The Park: Jerry and Merrick
That... is an interesting theory... her companion says dubiously. From what I can tell of the structure, it looked to be an old Keep... I think perhaps the town just expanded so much the old keep was unable to contain it, thus they built the walls to the river and a much more fortified keep atop the cliff... using some of the already cut stones from the old keep in the construction... He shrugs, But I'm sure we could find a history of it somewhere... As for keeping people in... There seemed plenty that lived outside the walls...


Upper Skald, The Old Kartakan Inn: Adrastia, Elsa, Mira and Pyros
Adrastia peeks past the dark curtain at the bottom of the short flight of stairs to the right. Bar. She says quietly to the others. Elsa looks about and shrugs. Well, if we're going to check this place out how do we want to do it? We could check out the bar and ask questions like we're new in town... which we obviously are... We could ask the man at the desk there who seems to be letting rooms. Or we could go to the dining area... The common seating doesn't look as fancy. I'm not really hungry, but I could have something light. We could just observe or ask our server a few things about the place...Look, there's a table opening up and I don't see anyone waiting at the moment. What do you guys think?

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Here is a map without the confusing gridlines.
Area 1 is the cloak room
Area 2 is the entryway
Area 3 is the common dining room. The people there seem to be about the same means as the party. The food looks delicious.
Area 5 is the High scale dining area. Tableware there is of the finest quality, as are the raiments of the patrons there.
Areas 6 (2x) The dining bays, set lower than area 5 so as not to block the view. closest to the windows. The dining is somewhere between areas 5 and 3 in expense and perhaps quality.
Area 12 Where the clerk for the in is stationed.
Area 27 is a covered causeway between the main building and the stables.
The building far to the right is a stable.

The stairs just inside the door lead down to the bar.

[Jenara]

"Bar?" Mira responds quickly, her nervousness evident as she turns away from the fine dining area, dragging Elsa with her. "The Common area sounds like a good plan, shall we?" She asks and seeks the empty table trying not to look too obvious as she takes a seat if one is avaiable.

[Chris1234]

"Maybe you have the right of it. I was just trying to make some sense of the strangeness," replies Jerry.
"So what should we do now? I shall be busy learning about papermaking tomorrow, and for days after that too. Is there somewhere we could try to find the history of this place? Perhaps a mentions of Crowns? Or would you think we might investiaget one of the other public places in this part of town*?"
Clutching his arm she pulls Merrick closer and whispers, "If there's somewhere discrete for starting the thing, I could try a 'Mind Read'.. not sure how it works language-wise though."

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*Thinking of Inns or taverns, perhaps Piilgrim's Rose or Wooden Mug, but nor sure if the pair are aware of them yet..

[Nocturno]

Pyros follows the group. Being particularly quiet, but taking in the whole scene, checking any knick knacks or art as they walk by it.

[TristenC]

Lower Skald, the Wharf: Artanis and Cross
The calmer, quieter atmosphere proves more conducive to fishing; and it isn’t long before the ranger’s pole bends from a pluck at the line…


Lower Skald, The Park: Jerry and Merrick
Well… I think there is a mage shop nearby… they might have some reference volumes like Serath’s shop… I suppose there is always the Grand Hall of Song and Dance over in Upper Skald, but they’re more likely to have song-versions of the history… although a lot of Kartakan history was said to have been initial kept in song… Something like the walls here seems a more recent thing, though. He looks about a bit to get his bearings.

The magic shop might be the most likely place to find info on the Crown, though if Serath didn’t have anything it’s unlikely the other shop would… but still worth a look perhaps. It’s called The Stone, and it’s somewhere along the main road here in Lower Skald. Jerry pulls him closer and speaks quietly. Mind reading? Oh.. well from what I remember it just depends on what language the target is thinking in… For instance, after coming here and learning the language better I found myself thinking in Harmonian occasionally when dealing with locals… though I still use Elven primarily as I’m most often around Serath in the shop… and you and your friends speak Elven, so it’s easier for me. He gives her a pensive look. Are you sure you want to try start reading the minds of complete strangers? What are you expecting to learn and how long could you keep that spell going?

[The pair noticed the Pilgrim’s Rose and Wooden Mug, their signs fairly accurately depicting the type of establishment. You could investigate one of those easily enough if you like.]


Upper Skald, The Old Kartakan Inn: Adrastia, Elsa, Mira and Pyros
As the round table nearby vacates, Mira leads the group to take their places at the now-empty chairs. The table stands next to the large central column and a few feet away from the long table to the north. Seating there appears to be a mix of individuals on a per-seat basis, while the Fine-dining tables to the West appear to be reserve-only.
[The party is at the round table directly north of the #3 on the map]

Immediately after the first group leaves, a boy no older than 14 comes over and quickly clears away the used plates and cups onto a tray with tall sides. He wipes the table down and nods to them as he returns to the kitchens with the used dishes. A server near the long commons table looks to the benches, making sure no-one else is waiting, before coming over with a handful of menus. The young woman was probably in her late teens; her long, straight platinum hair reaching well past her shoulders and framing her blue-violet eyes. Hello, and welcome to the Old Kartakan Inn. She says in Harmonian with a wide smile. Have you ever dined with us before? She asks, giving them a moment to respond. Well, my name is Sabrina and I’ll be your server today… I just love your hair! she adds to the bard as she passes out the commons-area menus. Now, this is the commons area so it’s one silver per seat but you can stay as long as you like. If you have any questions about what is on the menu just let me know, and if you think of something that’s not on the menu just ask! Our chef ‘Beeter’ is a genius, he can make almost anything! She says with a laugh. So. Can I get you guys started with drinks?

[The menu lists typical tavern fare with a few interesting embellishments designed to employ layers of complimenting flavors. The prices on the lunch section are comparable to those at the Wayfarer. The Diner side of the menu lists more substantial meals at respective prices, and features a wide array of dishes from salmon, river trout, veal, large cuts of beef or mutton, pastas, and many other things. The main courses on the Standard Dinner Menu run from 5sp-2gp. Lunch menu full meals are 3-5 sp, or one can order things a-la-carte]

[Nocturno]

Listening to the Server:
Language Check: [1d100] = 34


Pyros will then look at the menu and go cross eyed when he doesn't understand a lick of it.

"Psst Elsa... do you understand any of this?"

[Jenara]

"Hi Sabrina." Mira responds as she takes a menu, "Its quite rare here isnt it? Hair like mine. Ummm I'd like something light, more of a snack really, do you have any suggestions? And perhaps, do you have white wine?" Trying to look like she belongs she moves her weapon out of the way and translates for the others as she does so.

"We were looking for someone we were supposed to meet here, a Lady called Akriel..?" She asks almost nonchantly, as if it didnt matter too much.

[TristenC]

Upper Skald, The Old Kartakan Inn: Adrastia, Elsa, Mira and Pyros
Elsa shrugs at Pyros’ question but Adrastia speaks quietly to them in Elven. She’s just asking what we want, and it’s a silver per seat here. Do you two want anything? Elsa shakes her head. Maybe just some mead. The woman nods and looks to see if Pyros will have anything.

Sabrina nods, Oh yes, I don’t remember ever seeing anyone with such bright red hair before... there’s that one boy in Harmonia… actually he was kind of cute! She giggles a little, a far-away look in her eyes. They say there’s a musician in Harmonia who has hair like yours… Taking in Mira’s outfit she raises an eyebrow in the obvious question. And you said white wine? Certainly! Sometimes I like to have something a little different like that too… um… do you like it sweet or dry?

After the reply she moves on to the food, Oh we have lots of things! she begins pointing out items on the menu as she talks, several things not listed. Well we have salads of course, and small plates of battered fish strips or dried meats, of course there are any of the side dishes of veggies or fruit, but the chef’s specialty is stuffed beets! They’re boiled first with seasoning, then scooped out and roasted with bits of lamb and herbs and peas with a tart sauce. Of course you can get other things in them. Everything is so good! She says genuinely excited.

The final question doesn’t phase her much, Akriel? Sure, she’s a waitress here at The Inn. She’s not working today... actually I haven’t seen her for a few days. She says thoughtfully. She dismisses it with a shrug as if that were of no consequence.

Adrastia orders an Ale and puts the requests in for the small folk. Once the orders are all in, Sabrina says Great! I’ll be right back with those drinks! and leaves for the kitchens.

After the waitress steps away, Elsa says quietly in common, We should probably be careful asking about her, the Halfling says, she seemed pretty worried about us being seen with her…

[Chris1234]

Jerry whispers back, "Not long, maybe 3 minutes. Not used it before. But the theory was that it let's you get an image of the person as he (or she) sees himself. True form, if you get my meaning. I was going to use it to test if the arrogant or the cowed are other than as they appear. I'm thinking of changing that selection* tomorrow." She swallows, "But if you think it's a bad idea, I won't. I know I'm sometimes a bit too keen to do the things my Mistress favours*. Hmmm otherwise, I guess a quick look in the Rose or the Mug, you can choose, dear, and then on to the Stone. Now that you've mentioned it I simply have to go there." She kisses him on the cheek and squeezes his arm, all love, smiles and kisses both in actuality and for appearances.

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*Jerry deliberately avoids using the word 'spell'.