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

[Nocturno]

Pyros tries to understand.
Language Check: [1d100] = 44

[TristenC]

Merrick indeed translates the gist of the conversation into Elven for the others. The last guard, a blonde man, gives him an appraising look but says nothing. Mira provides their information and the younger guard takes it all down with aplomb, not reacting in the least to her stage name. He nods as he finishes and thanks her politely in Harmonian.

Enjoy your stay in Skald. The dark-haired guard says, directing them beyond the gates.

The buildings of Skald prove very similar to those of Harmonia; from the wooden frames with lath and plaster walls covered in stucco right down to the small arched windows with heavy bright blue or green shutters.

The streets in this section of town are all cobblestone affairs. The buildings here are larger and more artistic than those the party spotted through the opposite gate. Clearly, this is a place for the well-to-do. Here and there, lawns and gardens accent the neighborhoods, and the scent of flowers dances lightly in the air.
As the party wanders through this part of town, however, they notice that there are many more guard patrols than in Harmonia. Although there is no apparent outward sign of suspicion in their eyes, the guards always seem to look at the group of outlanders for a few seconds longer than they do anyone else. From time to time, a whispered conversation breaks out between members of the watch as you pass.

The party quickly reaches the large square in Upper Skald [Area 13], and at this time of day there is a generous flow of traffic among the shops lining the wide area. The SouthWest corner boasts a beautifully constructed inn with carving and scrollwork along the doorframe. A richly stained sign bearing an elaborately painted yellow lute swings in the light breeze, beneath is written in Harmonian The Golden Lute. Even from the outside it is easy to tell this is an well-respected place for those with means. To the SouthEast edge of the square, Mira can see the road leading towards the hill.

The group soon realizes that the town is actually divided in two, with a wall between the East and West sides. To the north flows a rapid river, and a toll bridge can easily be spotted from the square. Fully half of Upper Skald lies on the gently sloping hill abutting the sheer cliffs that protect the Eastern side of town. A few towers dot the Cliffside, but what is more marvelous is a set of twin waterfalls that cascade down to the northern edge. The water churns constantly with a dull roar that be barely detected here during lulls in the ambient noise. A thin veil of mist hovers around the base of the falls from the cascade, and the ghost of a structure can be spotted as if it stood within the river itself.

At the base of the falls just to this side of the river, stands a grand Clock Tower. The southeastern edge of town boasts green areas of well-tended trees among fine-looking homes capped with red or slate tiles rather than thatch; reminiscent of South Hill in Harmonia. Across the river to the north, one can barely make out some small buildings among clusters of trees and brush on a low hillside.

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i'll add details to the party-knowledge thread shortly

[Jenara]

"I almost feel at home." Mira comments as she scans the buildings, "Golden Lute? I might have to go by later." suveying the surroundings her eyes fall on the tower, and the river. "So, I'm not a warrior, I've just read books on battles and songs. This looks like a defense, I wonder if this place is older or newer than Harmoia?" She muses to herself in common, looking at the group as she does so.

"Sorry I didnt translate, I was trying to make sure we get in, if I had to turn around and translate each sentence we would be here all day." recalling the directions she heads to the south east and the base of the hill.

[kerap]

Artanis sighed as the pups ran off doing what wolf pups do. For the remainder of the journey he walked in silence, his thoughts remaining his own. Then Skald loomed ahead, Another fortress town designed to keep things out.

The Ranger remains silent, allowing Mira to do the talking - this was her element now. He observes the defenses and deployment of the guard, and determines it will be best to wait until they have entered the town before he starts sketching a map of this town.

As they walk through the town and the patrols seem to notice and talk about them, Artanis nudges Pyros and dryly remarks: "They are obviously noticing and commenting on how dashingly handsome you are Pyros - I seem to detect a hint of jealousy on their part, wishing they could make the ladies swoon as you do."

[Nocturno]

"What? Who me?" Pyros will bristle with pride after Artanis makes his joke.

Detect Noise: [1d100] = 49
Language Check: [1d100] = 57



"So where are we headed? I am getting a bit peckish."

[TristenC]

Don't worry, Merrick says, I translated for them. I don't know much about Kartakass, but Skald is the capital. I think it is older, but i'm not certain. The layout makes it look like it evolved a lot over the years... What i do know is that this is the only other large town in the country.

Pyros tries to listen in on the conversations, but he can't understand anything being said at the moment. Mira asked for directions to The Broken Wheel, Erris' inn. It shouldn't be too difficult to find.

Following the narrow east road they quickly come to tne base of the hill, where the cobblestone street takes a steep incline briefly to climb it. There are a few modest shops here, as well as the object of their search.

Not so grand or large as The Wayfarer's Rest, the outside of The Broken Wheel [BW] is clean and in good repair. an L-shaped building, it stands with the long, flat side parallel to the street. The wooden sign is carved in the shape of a wagon wheel with three broken spokes. Midday traffic passes by, hardly glancing at the establishment.

[Nocturno]

"Even I can understand that!"

[Jenara]

"Shall we?" She asks with a wave of her hand, moving to the doorway she opens it wide and steps inside, letting the red shawl fall over her shoulders as does so.

[Chris1234]

Jerry nods and gestures for the Red Lady to lead the way if she chooses and then applies gentle pressure on Merrick's arm to check he's ready too.

[TristenC]

Mira steps through the main entrance into the common area. The interior has a homey feel to it; comfortable in the way a well-worn boot shaped itself to the wearer’s foot. The round tables and their chairs had the well-worn look of long-endured use. Several small booths line the walls as well, their rectangular tables built into the structure and the high-backed benches providing some small measure of privacy for up to four people.

A stone fireplace stands on one side of the main commons, with a small stage in the corner nearby. The ‘stage’ itself is really only a platform rising a foot or so off the ground, and barely large enough to fit more than a couple of people should they need enough room to perform. On the opposite end of the elongated room stands a short bar with no more than a half-dozen stools, behind which stands a young man cleaning glasses. A swinging door stands to one side of the bar, likely leading to the kitchen. A narrow stairway leads upwards from the opposite end of the bar, probably to rooms above. Finally there is a small hallway leading off downstairs. The place was clean and in good repair while making no pretense about what it truly was; A middle class inn in the slightly upper class part of town.

There are few patrons present despite the hour, no more than a dozen at best. A few of them look up from their midday meals in curiosity as the group enters. The door to the kitchens opens and a pretty young blonde woman emerges with food for one of the tables. The bartender takes notice of them and nods in greeting. After serving the food, the young woman comes over, hugging her now-empty tray to her chest casually. Welcome to the Broken Wheel, my name is Allison. You can sit anywhere you like. If you’re looking for rooms, Thomas at the bar can take care of you.

[Chris1234]

Jerry smiles mildly and looks at Allison blankly.

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Harmonian TN9% [1d100] = 51

[Nocturno]

Pyros runs over to the bar and sees if he can order an ale in Harmonian.
While miming drinking a tankard.

Language Check: [1d100] = 86

When he gets a blank stare. "I just want an ale!" in common.

[kerap]

Since entering Skald, Artanis' thoughts have slowly begun to focus on a very important task - at least it's important to him. Fishing. The sound of the river cascading over the small falls outside of the town is akin to a clarion bugle call, summoning him to assemble at the river. He pondered the idea of simply going to the river by himself, but then "she who must be obeyed" entered the tavern and inn. Sighing the ranger followed the rest of the group into the Broken Wheel.

It seemed nice enough on the inside, the waitress was pleasant and no one attacked them...yet. He finds a table or group of tables large enough for all of the group, and plops down in a chair. His mind wanders towards the river and fishing.

[Jenara]

"Greetings." Mira grins as she enters, "My name is Mira, or perhaps you might know me as the 'La Rouge Gitane'?" She approaches the bar. "I'm here to play."

[TristenC]

Merrick translates quietly for Jerry [If he is around and able to speak, you can assume he translates normal conversation for her.] Pyros rushes past to the bar, where the young man simply shakes his head, not understanding the apparent gibberish.

Artanis easily finds an empty table large enough to accommodate their group. [does he want a spot near the bar/kitchen, near the stairs, or near the stage?]

La Rouge Gitane? She asks, curiously as she takes in Mira's hair. Oh! Of course. Mrs Sartre said you would be coming. Very well. You will need rooms then, yes? Thomas can help you there. would you like anything to eat or drink?