Act 2 Scene 2: “In Search of The Crown” (Game Thread)

[thawizkid]

Adran collects his tome back from Merrick with the promise that he may borrow it again if he would like and starts to head outside, he says I'm ready!

[mltillis]

"Many thanks for this fine silver warhammer, Lady Elsa. I pray that we seldom if ever find need of its use. There was an iron batleaxe in the barn which I discounted in my ignorance, I'll be sure to fetch it from the pile as we prepare to leave."

"There is a small cart within the barn. Would it be useful to bring along? Satâr de Ceață was one of the horses used for runners at the guard post. I doubt she has been trained for driving. She would have to be lead while pulling the cart, though that would not prevent others from riding on the cart... My initial thoughts on using the cart involved taking the weapons to the nearest town and inquiring about their owner. And also, I did not know how long I would be on the road, so my intent was to load as many provisions and useful gear as I could... It's just as simple a matter to put her riding saddle back on and grab extra saddlebags from the barn if they're still useful. I've already gathered up some food and cookery, it shouldn't take much to hold it all."

After deciding on the course of action, Pytor will look for a suitable piece of tack is in the barn to rig an over the shoulder harness for carrying his extra weapons.

He seems to perspire more than the temperature would call for if anyone notices.

[Nocturno]

Seeing the others stirring Cross will get up from his study spot.

"So anything interesting happening?"

[TristenC]

[Silver faced Warhammer and iron battle axe added to Pytor’s inventory]


Adrastia ponders the question of the cart. Unless we’re using it to haul the iron weapons, which I think the group was leaving for their friend Ontash, I don’t think there’s a need. Rouchard and Satâr de Ceaţă can handle everything else we have. It wouldn’t be difficult to reach Harmonia with it, but travel through the woods with the cart would be almost impossible. she adds.

Pytor uses a few extra harness straps to form a makeshift rig for his new weapons, hanging them about his shoulders above his pack. He soon saddles and bags his mare, loading up the provisions he had gathered earlier. The dusky hued fighter takes a longer look at Pytor’s face, Are you well, brother? she asks. Not waiting for an answer, she checks his neck and forehead with her hand. You’re dripping like a thief in a sweat-tent…

We can probably reach Harmonia an hour or two after noon… though it’s hard to tell really with the heavy overcast. Elsa adds.


From high above, Fenrir’s voice sounds in Cross’ head as the great raven lights on the peak of the farmhouse with a loud Ca-Caw!. No predators, no two-legs...

[Jenara]

Mira lets the questions on carts and horses pass her by as she adjusts her items so once again they are ready to carry, shouldering the pack she begins to move.

[TristenC]

Elsa notes the bard's heavy pack. Hey, we can probably puy some of that on one of the horses... You have a lot there, you dont have to carry all of it yourself.

[mltillis]

Pytor dismisses Adrastrai's query... "Tis nothing of concern, merely an adjustment to this land's seasons. It was close to midwinter in the land I just came from."

After rigging his weapon harness, he tosses Satâr de Ceaţă's saddle on his shoulder then gathers up the saddle blanket and bags in his free hand. Packing it out to the tethered mare, Pytor quickly has her set up for riding. "Easy girl. Once we get to town, I'll see about getting a set of brushes for you... Ohh, I'm such a fool." He goes back into the barn and tack room and quickly gathers what he would need to care for his mare. Returning he deposits the gear along with his other gathered supplies into the saddlebags. "This evening, Satâr de Ceaţă. I will get you looking like the queen of all mares."

As he prepares to mount up, Pytor overhears Elsa's conversation with Mira. Walking the mare up next to the pair of ladies, he steps up behind Mira and begins rummaging through her backpack. "No need for a lady to walk about more top heavy than the gods intended. What do you have in here that you don't need at arms reach?"

[Jenara]

Mira is about to protest, after all old habits die hard, and she had walked across half the world holding that pack..

"Old habits, honestly I forget sometimes that I'm not alone anymore and ... Hey!" Turning round she shifts so her pack is no longer accessible, "A Lady needs her secrets. I'll let you strap it to your horse, but be careful, my spellbook is in there and its one of the most precious things I own." Turning her head to Adrastia she she coughs.

"No offence, please dont take any, but Adrastia, would you be able to find room for a few things?" Blushing she opens her pack, slipping everything inside but her spellbook and night dress before strapping it to his saddle. "Now, thats better, thank you."

[TristenC]

Elsa gives Pytor an unobtrusive sidelong look at the comment about 'midwinter' but doesn't challenge the statenemt. Pytor quickly collects the horse-care tools from the shed and adds them to his supplies.

Adrastia grins between the bard and her brother, nodding when Mira asks for a place to put some things. Help yourself. she says with a grin.


[Anything else before they leave the farm?]

[Jenara]

(All done here)

[Nocturno]

"All seems clear. I think my new friend will be a huge boon to our group."

"It appears we will be takjng back to the road shortly. Thank for watching over us."

________________________

"That is a magnificent Bird!" Pyros will slide off the horse and gaze at the raven.

[Chris1234]

[Retcon]
Hearing Pytor's admission of bidirectionality Jerry flushes slightly and comments,"Umm.. Interesting, I think. Yes. I hear the kettle. Just a moment."

***
After some minutes the Mystran returns with several mugs of tea and distributes them to those who want them. She says quietly to Pytor, "Have have skills in the mysteries both arcane and divine and I am from 'another place' altogether, not merely a distant forest. Simply put, I am lost. On a less troubled topic, my Mistress, Mystra, teaches that one should grasp such pleasures when one may." She beams a smile at Merrick, oblivious across the room. "Yes, he is my pleasure and treasure." Sipping her hot tea she then turns to darker matters, "Yes, I have a good knowledge of the unliving, although more is theoretical than not." She pauses again, looking at the interesting man across the top of her tea mug, her voice becoming even quieter, "Pardon, but I would ask: at the full moon, do you, you know, 'change'? Physically? At each of the moons?"
Listening to any reply, Jerry nods politely, smiles her best 'thank you' and then makes her excuses to go tidy up the kitchen area.

***
After some minutes she returns and hovers around Merrick until his perusal of Adran's ends. Jerry then takes Merrick's arm and asks, "What was the book about?"

======
Used cantrips:
Evocation - "Water free, be hot for me." {For making the tea}
Abjuration - "Grime and slime, begone; not mine!" {Kitchen clean up}

@Trsiten - Good to continue (pending a nod from Merrick on the book).

[Jenara]

Feeling less burdened Mira walks watching the trees, every so often she asks Elsa what certain plants are called, and if they have any useful properties, the replies are stored in her mind just in case. Walking onwards she begins to sing a song Pyros might know.

Your one true love's a sailing ship
That anchors at our pier.
We lift her sails, we man her decks,
We scrub the portholes clear;

And yes, our lighthouse shines for her,
And yes, our shores are warm;
We steer her into harbor-
Any port in a storm.

The sailors stand upon the docks,
The sailors stand in line,
As thirsty as a dwarf for gold
Or centaurs for cheap wine.

For all the sailors love her,
And flock to where she's moored,
Each man hoping that he might
Go down, all hands on board.

[Nocturno]

Recognizing the song Pyros perks up and sings along.

"Ah how nice to hear a familiar tune! One from home finds it's way here!" Cross has a smug look on his face, for knowledge is his power and he loves recognizing things.

[thawizkid]

As they walk along, Adran listens to Mira's song and watches the surroundings. He keeps his bow in one hand with an arrow at the ready.