A Knight Errand

Chat log started at 3.6.2007 / 22:31:09
Golem is a well-kept gray horse with a black mane. He earned his name out of sheer stubborness. If he doesn't want to move, then he doesn't and that's that. Golem's temper has sometimes confused his handlers and riders, as he never took to fighting - instead, he tends to become skittish throughout the fight, only to sulk after the battle, almost as if he felt bad for not having a warrior's spirit.
A cold breeze ruffles Golem's mane as you ride through the wooden gates of Sundown, the evening sun behind you. Ahead of you lies the market square, abustle with farmers and merchants, most of them probably local. You notice a bridge to the south, just past the square, along with a slow-moving river crossing the center of town. Also, a large pavilion to the west, and two large buildings directly in front of you on the east edge of the market catch your attention.
Geyer: Seems a bit cozy compared to the Repository, don't it, Golem? Heh.
Golem whinnies in... agreement?... and paws the ground.
A brown-haired farmer walks past you and stops, turns around and glances at you.
A brown-haired farmer: Heya stranger. You look a bit lost.
A brown-haired farmer: Did you need help finding something?
Geyer: I'm looking for Arahnrod.
The brown-haired farmer is about 6 feet tall and has a strong frame. His brown eyes have an uncomplicated and kind look and his manner of speaking belies a straight-forward and honest approach to life.
A brown-haired farmer: Ah... you must mean Garret.
Geyer: Aye, that's him.
A brown-haired farmer nods his head towards the closest of the large buildings to the east.
A brown-haired farmer: He's usually in there if he's not in the temple just to the south of it.
A brown-haired farmer: It's called the Chamber of the Sun... but we don't tend to make things that formal unless we have to.
A brown-haired farmer: You new here?
Geyer: Aye. Just rode in for a job.
A brown-haired farmer: You look... fairly well armored for a simple job.
Geyer: Well. It's to be seen yet how simple it is, friend.
A brown-haired farmer grunts his assent.
A brown-haired farmer: Guess so.
A brown-haired farmer: I'm Michael, by the way. You are... ?
Geyer: I am called Geyer.
Geyer: A squire in service to the Coin.
Michael: Well, a squire then?
Michael rubs his chin.
Michael: The Coin... can't say I've heard of you, but I don't know much beyond here myself.
Geyer: Word is there's some strange happenings in these parts. Guess your Garret decided to bring in some professional help.
Michael snorts loudly, startling Golem a bit.
Michael: Strange happenings indeed.
Michael: You know noone's seen anything yet?
Michael: Far as I know, all we've got are footprints.
Geyer: Footprints, eh?
Michael nods slowly.
Geyer: Hear that Golem, they're scared of footprints. Ha! Well, no worries.
A red-haired boy of about 10 runs up from the market and up to Michael, grabbing onto his hand.
Michael: Ahh, scared of footp... oh! Slow down Aaron.
Aaron looks up at you curiously.
Geyer: We'll get to the bottom of these footprints, friend Michael.
Aaron: Footprints! I know all about thooose things.
Aaron nods emphatically, his red hair flapping up and down.
Geyer: And I'll bring your boy here the head of whatever's making them! Heh.
Geyer: Tell me then, lad!
Aaron gawks, open-mouthed.
Aaron: You'll bring me dere heads?
Aaron makes a face when he realizes how icky that would probably be.
Aaron: Eeeww.
Michael: Now, Aaron... he won't *actually* bring you their heads. Your mother wouldn't allow it.
Aaron: Oh! The footprints. My friend 'dora found some somewhere once. Yesterday. I think.
Geyer: That so, lad? Well, I'll be needing to meet with this Dora of yours at some point then.
Aaron: An' William says they're probably the size of a house!
Michael sighs audibly.
Michael: You'll have to excuse him, he's... excitable.
Geyer: Aye, that age is ripe for it.
Michael: We'd best head off, the wife's waiting on us to bring in some supplies.
Michael: I'm sure Garret can help you with whatever information you might need.
Geyer: Well met, sir. For your time -
Geyer throws Michael a copper piece.
Michael nods.
Michael: Appreciated Geyer. And good luck on your quest.
Geyer: Oh, one more thing, friend. Have ye a livery stable in this town. Golem needs rest and water.
Michael: Oh, I believe Markham should be able to help you with that.
Michael: He runs the Bit of Shade over on the other side of the market.
Michael: He usually handles things for the merchants, so I imagine he's got some sort of set-up that should be convenient.
Geyer: Aye. Many thanks, then.
Michael waves to you, and as they walk off you can just hear Aaron whining, "Not more chooooores."
Geyer: So, Golem, let's get you stabled and get down to work then.
Geyer rides over to the Bit of Shade.
As you cross the plaza and approach the pavilion you notice that it appears to serve as the town's source of drink and entertainment. It's open air, which is certainly unusual, but perhaps well-suited to the preferences of the people who live around here. You also notice an abundance of Halflings in the area.
One Halfling in particular, a short fellow with curly black hair, is busying himself with waiting the tables in the pavilion.
Golem sniffs the air curiously - something smells like food here.
The Halfling with curly black hair looks up at you as you walk towards the pavilion.
The halfling with curly black hair: Hey, no horses in here. Sorry stranger.
Geyer: Apologies.
The halfling with curly black hair: Though, 'f you're looking for a place t'keep it, I'm the guy to see.
Geyer: I am looking for Markham.
The halfling with curly black hair: Ah, that'd be me!
The halfling with curly black hair gives a wide grin.
Geyer: Aye. Well met.
Markham: Markham Grintz, at your service!
Geyer: I am Geyer, Squire of the Coin.
Geyer: This beast is Golem.
Markham Grintz: Hmm... the Coin, eh?
Markham Grintz: That wouldn't be the Knightly Order up t'the north?
Markham Grintz pulls something out of his pocket and feeds it to Golem. It looked like an apple slice.
Golem chews on the treat happily.
Geyer: Aye. The greatest free company of the Dragon Coast.
Markham Grintz laughs heartily.
Markham Grintz: Well, I dunno about "free."
Markham Grintz grins.
Geyer: Though our services are never free, if you catch my meaning.
Markham Grintz agrees with a wide smile.
Geyer: Ha Ha!
Markham Grintz: Looks like we're of like mind Geyer.
Geyer: We think alike, friend.
Markham Grintz laughs once again.
Markham Grintz: Periwinkle pennant!
Markham Grintz wipes down a glass as he nods with satisfaction.
Geyer: You seem an honest tradesman. Can I trust ye to stable my mount and keep my gear secure while I meet with your mayor?
Markham Grintz: 'course! I take care'f all the merchants that pass through.
Geyer: I will pay fair value, of course.
Markham Grintz: Though I'll grant you, that's not many.
Markham Grintz: Going rate is...
Markham Grintz scratches his head for a moment.
Markham Grintz: Well, how about 50 silvers a day?
Markham Grintz: Ah, that is, 5 silvers?
Geyer: That's more like it - but I like that ye tried. Heh.
Markham Grintz: Will you be providin' your own food for 'im?
Markham Grintz: That'll be five coppers a day extra, if you aren't.
Geyer: I have some feed, but I'd prefer to save it for my journey.
Geyer: I'll give a whole extra silver if you throw in a couple of those apples for him.
Markham Grintz: Ah! We've a deal then.
Markham Grintz: How long did you plan on leaving him with us?
Geyer: Aye. That we do.
Geyer: Just one day for now.
Geyer gives Markham 6 silver.
Markham Grintz: Alrighty! I'll make sure he's taken care of. Apples and all.
Geyer: Good, good. I'm sure he'll be happy for the rest.
Markham Grintz gives a loud whistle, and another Halfling runs in. After a few quick words in the Halfling tongue, he leads Golem away.
Geyer: Now, if you'll pardon me, friend - I must go meet with your Arahnrod about these footprints everyone's been seeing.
Markham Grintz: Oh? You're here about *that* eh?
Geyer: Aye.
Markham Grintz: Well, be sure to bring any updates to me.
Geyer: Contracted to find the source, and stop the commotion.
Markham Grintz: The meal's on me if you can tell a good tale.
Geyer: A fair bargain.
Markham Grintz: Weeeell, good luck with that one!
Markham Grintz: We've had some skilled people try to track them.
Markham Grintz: No luck so far.
Geyer: Hmm. Well, I will need the aid of a skilled tracker.
Geyer: Who is your best?
Markham Grintz: Best?
Markham Grintz thinks for a moment, and busies himself by pouring a few drinks and placing them on a tray.
Markham Grintz: Well, our best is definitely Daisy Bellanife.
Markham Grintz: But... she had an accident a ways back.
GM: Sense motive [1d20+4 = 21]
GM: (Sense Motive) You get a gut feeling that Markham has some personal stake in this Daisy person and her accident.
Geyer: A tragic tale, I'm sure.
Markham Grintz nods.
Markham Grintz: I suppose... the closest thing we've got to a true tracker is Sonadora. She has potential, anyways. Or so Daisy was telling me the other day.
Markham Grintz: I don't get it, but something about understanding nature.
Markham Grintz shrugs.
Geyer: A young lad mentioned a friend named Dora who'd seen the prints. The same lass?
Markham Grintz: That'd probably be her. She was by just earlier today telling me about them before she ran off somewhere.
Markham Grintz: Short girl, which is to say about my height, with black hair that's usually got some flowers in it.
Markham Grintz: She usually has Vida with her, too, so you can probably recognize them by smell.
Markham Grintz grins mischievously.
Markham Grintz: Vida's a wolf. Heh.
Geyer: Heh. Not much for wolves, myself - I once fought two alone.
Markham Grintz: No kidding?
Markham Grintz: And you came out alive, eh?
Markham Grintz: Must be a tough fella.
Markham Grintz gives you an appraising look.
Geyer: Aye. Back in the arena.
Markham Grintz gives a long, low whistle.
Geyer: One had to be tough in that place.
Markham Grintz: Wow, you were a gladiator, too?
Markham Grintz: Not often we see one of you about.
Markham Grintz: You should definitely come by and share some stories when you have some time.
Geyer: With good reason. I was lucky.
Markham Grintz: Hmph. Can't be all luck if you made it out alive. Did you win your freedom?
Geyer: In a manner.
Geyer: I was bought by a knight, who set me free in exchange for serving as his squire.
Geyer: He thought I had potential to be more than a sword-slave.
Markham Grintz: Ahh, now that *is* some luck. Though you must've been an impressive fighter to get his attention, too.
Geyer: Tymora shines on us all at times, friend. But I suppose my skill had a fair measure to play as well.
Markham Grintz: You're an odd one indeed Geyer. Definitely come by some night, the people'd love to hear some good tales of the arena.
Geyer: I shall.
Markham Grintz: I've got some customers I'd best attend to - did you need anything else?
Geyer: Nay. Go about your business, and I will attend to mine.
Markham Grintz: Farewell and good luck with those footprints!
Markham Grintz heads off to one of the tables, the tray of drinks in his hand.
Geyer walks across the square to the Chamber.
The Chamber is a simple building with a definite sun theme. Inside is a desk and behind it sits a man in red, yellow and orange robes.
Garret appears to be far too young to be the leader of the town, but he's been forced into the role ever since his mother died 2 years ago.
Garret's inexperience is clear on his bright, young face - even his copper-blonde hair looks like it was forced into a semblance of order rather than falling that way on its own. He wears the robes appropriate to his station - red, yellow and orange - though he looks a bit uncomfortable in them. Fortunately, he stands tall enough that even as inexperienced as he seems, his presence is impossible to avoid. Though he hasn't grown into his frame quite yet, when he does he will probably be, if not a giant among men, certainly an imposing presence.
Garret stands up as you enter.
Garret: Hello, sir. Did you, ah, need anything?
Geyer: I am seeking a Garret Arahnrod.
Garret: Then you've found him. What can I do for you?
Garret gives an easy smile.
Geyer: I am Geyer, squire of Sir Kelthyr, and bound in service to the Order of the Coin.
Garret: Ah! They did respond!
Garret: I was worried they thought this town's troubles inconsequential.
Geyer: Aye. The Coin keeps its oaths, sir.
Garret: Welcome to Sundown, I suppose. Sorry there was no fanfare or anything.
Garret looks a bit sheepish at the mention of oaths.
Garret: Yes, well, I wasn't sure the favor still counted since it was owed my late mother. I kinda took a gamble on that one.
Geyer: A favor, eh? That explains the open nature of the contract I was given, then.
Garret: Ah, I suppose so?
Garret: I still don't really know any of the details of the favor... but I was told the Order was an honorable group, and that I could trust them.
Garret: Seemed good enough to me.

Geyer's orders from the Order of the Coin.

Garret: So, have you been about the town at all?
Geyer: Aye. I stabled my horse at the Bit O' Shade.
Geyer: Good fellow tending that place. Heh.
Garret: Ah, Markham? He's a good Halfling. Always seems to know more about what's going on than *I* do though.
Garret: Did he tell you anything about what's been happening?
Geyer: Footprints of a strange sort, and trouble with tracking them to top it off.
Garret: That's about right.
Garret: Sintilya, the town's healer, told me just a little bit ago that a shipment she was expecting may have been waylaid this morning, too.
Garret: And then, to boot, there was a thief caught this morning. Though thankfully that should be unrelated to the footprints.
Garret: Human, after all.
Garret: Which the footprints, apparently, are not.
Geyer: Sounds like a right mess, to be sure.
Garret: Definitely.
Garret: I just hope whatever's making the footprints is passing through. At least it hasn't caused any trouble.
Geyer: Aye. Well, I'll look into it - and if it does cause trouble.....
Geyer pats the head of the heavy flail resting in its belt harness.
As though on cue, a young blond-haired boy runs in yelling!
A young blonde-haired boy: Garret you gotta DO something! It's Aaron!
A young blonde-haired boy: And I *can't* go to my dad and Sonadora's nowhere, as always, and I need you to help and why aren't you DOING anything?!
A young blonde-haired boy suddenly realizes there's someone else in the room with him.
A young blonde-haired boy: You look strong! Why don't YOU do something!
Garret looks confused and out of his element.
Garret: Err, um... William? What's wrong, first?
A young blonde-haired boy: It's Aaron! He's dead! At the bottom of a pit!
Garret starts upon hearing the word "dead."
Garret: Beshaba's luck...
Garret: Geyer - go with him and see what's going on?
Garret: I'm going to go get Sintilya.
Geyer: Aye, sir.
Geyer: Now then lad - take me to this pit, and be quick about it.
Garret strides quickly through the door and heads south towards the temple.
William nods to you erratically and runs out the door of the temple, heading south across the river, and out the southern gate.
Geyer follows the lad.
Geyer easily catches up with the spastic youngster and follows a few paces behind him.
After a short run through the woods south of town, a young girl, maybe 12 or so, runs out of some bushes. Her eyes are wide and she looks like she's had a shock.
William: Kate! What happened? You're sposeda be watching Aaron!
Kate: I... I... was! But...
Kate looks up at you, shivering.
Kate: Who... who's that?
Geyer: Go on, lass. I'm a friend.
Kate: But... but... they took him!
Geyer: Who?
Kate glances towards a space between some trees where you can just make out a pit that's been dug out.
Kate: These... these... tiny people! Like Halflings, only... their....
Kate shivers and sniffs.
Geyer pushes past the girl and moves cautiously towards the pit.
Geyer: Yes, lass?
Geyer: What did ye see? Out with it, now.
The pit appears to have been covered with branches and twigs, though now they lie inside covering the bottom. It's only about 5 feet deep, though, and there is definitely no boy in there right now.
Kate: Their hands were green!
Kate begins to cry.
Kate: And they t-took Aaron!
Kate begins to sob.
Kate 's red hair shakes along with her shoulders as she cries into her hands.
William attempts to console Kate, but looks like he may be near to tears as well.
Geyer: William, lad, straighten up.
Geyer: Take the girl back to town and keep a close watch on her.
Geyer: You both run as fast as ye can.
William nods grimly.
Geyer: Don't stop until you're in the gates.
William: Aaron said... he said a guy in armor had promised him some heads...
Geyer: Aye. That was me.
Geyer: And today I mean to collect on that promise.
William sniffs again, but nods, too.
Geyer: Now go swiftly. I'll fetch back yer friend.
William takes Kate's hand and part drags her part leads her back towards town at a run.
Geyer takes a closer look at the pit and surroundings, hoping for a trail.
GM: Search [1d20+1 = 8] (The DC was actually only 10. Harsh *grin*)
GM: Spot [1d20+4 = 18]
GM: You don't find anything that looks like tracks to you, but you're also not exactly skilled at that sort of thing.
GM: If you wanted, you could really comb the area surrounding the pit, but it'd take some extra time (take 20).
Geyer: (to himself) Damn!
Geyer yells as loud as he can to the surrounding forest -
Geyer: (in Goblin) Stealing children is a coward's act! Come and face me instead!
GM: (Spot) At the bottom of the pit you notice something that stands out among the limbs and branches.
Geyer hops into the pit and looks for what caught his eye.
GM: There's some broken glass inside the pit, along with several very small sharpened sticks. Sticks or... something else, perhaps. You can’t quite decide.
Geyer: (mutters) Some kind of crude trap, then?
Geyer collects the glass and sticks to show to someone more woodsy at a later point.
GM: You do notice a bitter odor as you stand in the pit and collect the items.
GM: Knowledge: Nature [1d20+1 = 16]
GM: (Knowledge Nature) You have heard that bitter odors sometimes signify poisons, though.
Camilo: (Heh, you'd probably guessed that anyways *grin*)
Geyer is very careful to not poke himself on the glass and sticks as he collects them, then.
GM: You don't notice anything else in particular at the bottom of the pit.
Matt (Geyer): Ok, well I climb out of the pit and wait for the healer.
Matt (Geyer): Might as well take that 20 on searching for a trail while I wait.
GM: You do find some faint tracks in the mud surrounding the pit, but can’t make out enough to follow them or identify them.
From the brush strides an older half-elven woman, the first you've noticed in town, with long blue-black hair and hazel-green eyes.
Sintilya Foxblood: You must be Geyer? Show me what's going on here.
Geyer: Aye.
Sintilya Foxblood: William and Kate were hysterical... I could barely get general directions out of them.
Geyer: The lad Aaron fell into this pit trap.
Sintilya Foxblood kneels by the pit.
Geyer: Then whatever built it came and took their catch.
Geyer: Girl said they were green and short as halflings.
Geyer: Goblins, maybe.
Sintilya Foxblood: Search [1d20+3 = 13]
Geyer: Oh, and I found these in the pit. They may be poisoned, smell pretty bitter.
Sintilya Foxblood looks around the pit, searching for anything unusal.
Sintilya Foxblood: There are a few small tracks... but... I can't tell what made them, or even if they're the same as the others around town.
Geyer carefully lays out the glass and sticks for her to see.
Sintilya Foxblood: I'm afraid we'll need to get someone a bit more wilderness oriented...
Sintilya Foxblood glances at the sticks, picking one up and sniffing it carefully.
Sintilya Foxblood: I'm afraid I don't recognize it at all...
Sintilya Foxblood: It's probably a poison, but I wouldn't know what kind.
Geyer: Aye. We should get this Sonadora to help us. I've heard she's the best tracker that is still fit for trouble in these parts.
Sintilya Foxblood frowns.
Sintilya Foxblood: She left just this morning... there's no telling when she'll be back.
Sintilya Foxblood: We should take these back into town, though.
Sintilya Foxblood: I might have a book that can help us identify this smell. Though, it's unlikely I believe.
Geyer: Our oaths prohibit poisons, so I've had no training with them either.
Sintilya Foxblood: Your oa... ah, Garret had mentioned he was contacting a knightly order... of the Coin I believe?
Geyer: Aye.
Geyer: I am now under contract to be your man Garret's sword-arm.
Sintilya Foxblood: Ah, excellent.
Sintilya Foxblood: It looks like we could use one...
Sintilya Foxblood: Let's head back to town, and quickly.
Sintilya Foxblood: I'm Sintilya Foxblood, by the way. Follower of Oghma the Binder.
Geyer: Well met, then, though the circumstances could be better.
Sintilya Foxblood: I'd offer more pleasantries, but... this isn't the time.
Sintilya Foxblood: Exactly.
Sintilya Foxblood: Follow me, we'll head back to town.
Geyer: Aye.
Sintilya Foxblood strides off through the trees towards the northeast and town.
Geyer follows her swiftly.
Sintilya Foxblood: Take some of the glass and these... "needles" back to Garret. I'll take a few with me to the temple, and we'll see if someone can't make something of them.
Geyer: A sound plan.
Geyer heads back to the Chamber.
END OF SESSION