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Tindarien

"Sargeant, you could perform an even more important role by staying here. There is no guarantee that we will succeed. Who then stands between your ancestor and those who live here?"

It is an honourable out if the Sargeant wishes to take it.

GM

Sergeant Almodar heard what was said, but did he listen? You could tell the notion of 'honour' gnawed at him, but there was a very thin and permeable line between honour and pride. And wasn't it pride that had been Gorulon Gorehound's downfall?

Still, men could be very stubborn about such things...

Lady Morgen smoothed down the front of her dress and smiled at the man-at-arms.

"Just do one thing for me please, Sergeant Almodar. Speak to your wife first, before you decide."

The Sergeant gulped -- actually gulped -- as he pondered that prospect, and nodded to the Baronessa and his Captain.

"Yes, Your Ladyship." He acknowledged then Captain Achelus dismissed him.

The Baronessa looked around the great hall. The beams of summer sunlight coming through the high windows were gradually heating the space. The black bear cubs had collapsed in a shaded corner and were now snoring gently. Even the songbirds had petered out, and the silver pitcher had been drained.

It was going to be a hot afternoon, even in a stone-walled keep.

"From what I gather, you have had a busy day." Said Lady Morgen, "I beg your pardon, you must be fading fast in this heat.

"You will have our best lodgings. Seneschal, show them the way and see that they are given every courtesy."

The Baronessa inclined her head, turned and left with an enticing sway of the hips.

Captain Achelus dabbed at his forehead with the cuff of his sleeve. He was done up in an arming doublet and cuirass and must have been literally hot under the collar.

"Hmm. Well done, I must say. Not sure how you did it, but the Baronessa was impressed. I've seen her treat nobility far worse! You remember the Prince of Valsaavedra!?" He said to you, though directing the question to the Seneschal.

The pale bald man just shuddered in reply, and Achelus chuckled.

"Anyway. My thanks! See you at supper, I hope. And if you need me in the meantime, ask for me at the gatehouse on the outer wall. You'll be glad to know it's downhill." The Captain said with a wink. He wanted to shake hands with each of you before he left.

D

The dark elf watched and listened. The heat was begining it's rise towards stifling, yet not quite there yet. He watched the Baroness walk away, with too many questions filling his head. Probably not the least of which revolved around the suggestion to come here. What was it that the demon cat and it's master wanted. On the surface it had been to his favor, bit there was something else going on. Only time woukd tell. For now water, rest till it cooled, and then maybe an enjoyable meal in her presence. He would have to ask questions if he had a chance. He did his best to be ignored. He would rather not shake the Captain's hand, if he could avoid it. But he would if he had too.

<Weston>

He had to admire the way the Baroness diverted the man. He had been trying to offer him a choice. He knew how important it was for a man to feel like he had a choice and made the right one. And he had tried to give him that chance. It seemed clear that the Baroness felt it better to steer things towards the result she thought was best. And while he thought that it would be better for the sergeant to remain here, =he= wouldn't have tried to force the choice. He wondered which was =really= the better way.

He had not really noticed the 'heat' until it was mentioned. He was happy to accept the offer of a place to relax ... especially if it was deeper into the keep, and so possibly cooler.

He smiled at the captain's description of the Baroness's treatment of 'royalty'. But then he could appreciate that sort of reaction to those 'people in power' that were so full of themselves that they couldn't look beyond their own nose. He decided that he like her, a 'breath of fresh air' among the entitled. He smiled secretly at that as he followed their guide to their rooms.

Tindarien

He shakes the Captain's hand and turns to follow the others to their rooms. He will be glad of the opportunity to freshen up. However his mind is on the task ahead of them.

"Perhaps we should take the opportunity to review our equipment and discuss any thoughts on how we approach this mission?"

<Weston>

"I had lots of time aboard the ship to make sure my gear is ready =and= since we don't know =anything= about what we are dealing with, my thoughts are we follow the river until we find the problem. Then we might learn something that will let us 'discuss and approach'", he said with a grin.

Zoltan

He watches and listens as the Countess speaks and takes her leave, then turns to the Seneschal and says, "I'd like to set my gear down", he turns to the others, "and then we can get some drink and chat all evening."

Turning back to the Seneschal, "So, if you would?"

GM

'Seneschal' was a position of great importance in most dominions, being the ruler's chief steward. It seemed that this self-importance was cherished by the Seneschal of Rosencliff Keep. With the Baronessa being away on business so often, the Seneschal was left in charge much of the time. He'd gotten used to it then.

From his age and accent, the Seneschal was probably a hireling of the old baron, unlike Captain Achelus, who told you he was hired by Lady Morgen, being a constable in Axis previously.

And all of the above was in some way meant to explain the imperious scowl the Seneschal gave Zoltan, once the Captain had left.

"Certainly, sir." He said.

The afternoon heat that had rapidly concluded their meeting in the great hall was something that could be considered.

They'd get an early start tomorrow, and apparently with Irt as guide, they'd be down by the swift-flowing river before noon.

Even hiking along the bank of the river, it could get stifling hot and they might be wary of drinking the water further upstream.

So enough water gourds and skins would need arranging.

A hooded cape, or gugel, was an all-purpose traveller's garment, worn by many in the Empire. Wealthy fashionistas wore them rolled up into a padded hat called a chaperon, which required yards of excess fabric.

Both protected against harsh weather, as would any hooded cloak, but for peasants who could hardly afford such extravagance, a straw hat was more common in the sun. South of the Sword Point a long scarf of cheap, light fabric was often worn. Called a cheche, it could be wrapped around the head in the hottest weather, protecting most of the face also.

And of course, the alchemists of Horizon produced many an unguent to protect the skin from the sun's rays. (Most smelled so badly, they also repelled mosquitos.)

[Ghosted for Khamsin]

Jex

After shaking hands vigorously with the Captain, he picked up his bindle and danced a single jig around the Seneschal, just to piss the man off.

"Tout de suite, sir!!" He cajoled the chief steward, before falling in line with the rest of the party.

"I think we have fallen on our feet here." He said aloud and in good cheer.

He kept a watchful eye on his companions though. The more he found out about them, the more he wanted to know.

<Weston>

He had to smile at the Seneschal's scowl. Clearly a man who never had to survive in the world. But he =had= survived for some time in the 'cut throat' world of the 'entitled', which he understood had it's own 'problems'. Unfortunately he suspected that the Seneschal would end up being more of a hindrance than a help. But he was willing to keep an open mind for the time being, at least.

Being a 'city boy', he didn't think much about all that other stuff. He was mostly just itching to get started.

Seyja


Seyja gave the captain's hand a quick, firm pump and then turned to go with the others. She wasn't much worried about her gear - she tended to travel light - but she wanted one last chance to check her equipment for any damage it had incurred after she'd had to jump into the sea.

D

He watched the interplay and smiled. The seneschal was a creature the dark elf understood. For now D was content to ride the little waves to where they lead without angering the locals over much. There was much to discuss but he agreed there was far too many unknowns to even really consider a plan. For his own part he had wanted to start off right away. Thankfully the Baroness had steered them clear of that idea. The heat would have made their investigations less than thorough. He would have to keep that in mind tomorrow to keep himself in peak form.

He followed the seneschal to whatever room had been designated for him.

Tindarien

He is already thinking ahead. Water. They will need to carry supplies. He does not want to rely on any supplies from the river or mountain as they don't know how far the taint has spread. Likely they will need ropes as they may need to climb up the mountain or down into its depths. Food. Spikes. Mirror. Light. Many things to consider.

Heilbutt

He was taught to never shake hands with a man from outside his clan. It made you vulnerable to knives and spells.

So the half-orc made sure Nestaron was between him and the Captain, and kept a watchful eye on the man.

Seyja seemed much more worldly than Heilbutt was, but she had been travelling with gypsies so who knew where she'd been and what she was accustomed to.

Tindarien's words got Heilbutt thinking about preparations for the journey. It wasn't a long one, but they might be away for four days in rugged terrain and under the hot sun.

He'd seen some of the sailors wearing tassled shawls over their heads at the hottest times of the day, so when it got cooler later, he'd walk into town and obtain something of the sort.

The Seneschal's manner was absurd but it didn't bother the half-orc. As long as no insult was given to his master. He wasn't going to tell a servant how to do their job. He didn't know the first thing about being a servant...

So he picked up his and Nestaron's baggage, Tindarien's and Seyja's too if they let him, and carried it to their rooms.

GM

Nostrils flaring at Jex, he swept his faded black houppelande out of his way and exited the great hall, presumably with you in tow.

Two maids were awaiting him and you at the bottom of the spiral staircase. They reported in blushing, shy whispers to him, seeming somewhat overwhelmed by your presence. Whether you knew it or not, you were exotic strangers in Rosencliff; most of you were also bachelors. Even Seyja, a nomadic amazon was both daunting and exciting to a provincial chambermaid.

You were led downstairs and out of the tower, across the stifling courtyard and into the shell wall encircling it.

Inside the shell wall, the passageways were cramped and bare, but blessedly dark and cool. If north was 12 o'clock, you were led counter-clockwise to about 10 o'clock where you entered into an annex that had been built more recently than the rest of the shell wall. Here the walls were plastered and whitewashed, and the floor was tiled with red terracotta.

The Seneschal opened the door and presented the Baronessa's 'best lodgings' to you. The apartments were in a loggia, airy but shaded with hanging blinds. Between the tall arches you were struck by the brilliant blue of the sky and the Midland Sea. Outside the loggia was a sheer drop, nearly 100 feet to the rooves below, which meant a truly spectacular view over the town and cove.

The blinds nudged as a fresh sea breeze blew gently in, creating a very restful atmosphere together with the relaxed lighting.

Reed mats, quilted blankets and plenty of cushions had been laid out, along with low tables and stools. The apartments were partitioned by ornately carved screens for privacy, and there were several wooden bathtubs.

For decoration, creepers grew on the rear wall and there were some well-placed statues. They'd even provided small bowls of dried fruit and nuts and vases of water and wine.

You could spend a pleasant afternoon in these apartments, but you noticed that with only one door and a sheer drop over the side, they also made an effective prison. The same could probably be said for the guest rooms in any stronghold, so there wasn't necessarily anything untoward about it. Indeed, you'd be rather naïve to have strangers sleeping under your own roof in an insecure location.

The Seneschal walked through the apartments, lips pursed as he inspected the work done by the chambermaids. Satisfied, he shooed the chambermaids away and gestured for you to make yourselves comfy.

"A page shall be posted to your door and should you need anything, please ask. You are free to roam, if you wish. Supper will be served at moonrise in the baronial chambers. Good afternoon."

Apparently you had no questions because the Seneschal turned and left you standing. He also left the door wide open and a young page, maybe twelve years of age dived out of the Seneschal's way as he strode through and off around the corner.

The page peeled himself off of the wall and looked into the apartments apprehensively. He was too tall for his livery, but he was at that age where you grew a foot overnight. At least his mother had freshly cut his hair, so it wasn't as if no effort had been made on your behalf. You might not have cared about such things anyway; you weren't exactly courtiers.

The page smiled nervously and closed the door for you.

As a party, you were alone for the very first time since meeting on the ship.

[Ghosted for Khamsin]

Jex

"What a stinker!" He said after the door was closed, and he assumed his companions would know who he was referring to.

He gestured from one end of the loggia to the other.

"This I could get used to though." Jex said.

The view of the Midland Sea and the Sword Point's north coast also put a smile on his face. He couldn't wait to experience the rugged wilderness of the interior for himself.

"So what do you make of Her Ladyship? I am biased, o' course! Since she's evidently a fan of mine, it would be rude not to be a fan of hers in return."

<Weston>

He =really= wanted to chuckle at the pompus posturing. He managed to suppress that, but the smile was there where the others could see as he moved to follow their guide.

"Very nice", he said as they entered their 'quarters'. The breeze, the food, the pretty appointments ... all meant to distract from the fact that there was a single exit. But, to be fair, it should not have been a complete surprise. This was a keep after all.

"Yeeesss, isn't he =just= the nicest", he said with a chuckle in response to Jax. "But I =do= like her ladyship a =lot= more than her steward", he said with a nod of his head towards the door. "She seems less worried about 'appearance' and more worried about her people."

D

The dark elf walked in and to the window. There he stood enjoying the view and possibly eyeing the way down, should that need arise. As the damn cat had said, he liked windows more than doors.

For now though he turned back to the group "this seems fitting and fine. What the lady's agenda is, time will tell, I suppose. Anything we discuss could be passed back, if she had an urge to do so. Yet I doubt that she has any real reason. We presented ourselves as likely tools, and have agreed to a mission which will benefit her, regardless of the risk to us." He watched the others to see how they took his words.

<Weston>

"Well it seems obvious that everyone, including her ladyship, needs to have 'the problem' resolved. Beyond that ... is there anything in particular that concerns you", he asked.

Seyja


She reached for her knapsack just as Heilbutt gestured that he would take it and she frowned for a moment, but then smiled briefly.

"No need," she said as she slung it over her left shoulder. She gestured toward him with the battleaxe in her right hand.

"It helps balance out the weight."

Seyja stopped just inside the door into their designated lodgings and frowned at the limited access and over fancy - to her tastes - decorations. She stepped forward and took a handful of dried fruit and nuts and put half a handful in her mouth, chewed swallowed and tasted the wine directly from the vase. She grimaced.

"Too sweet..."

If she heard the dark elf's words, her face gave no overt indication of it, but she did turn to make sure she heard the answer he might give to Weston's question.

D

"Many things." He answered simply. "Not the least of which why did the treasure make it back to town? What caused the shade to stay dormant for so very long? Are we really facing a fell shade, or is there something else behind this particular evil? Too many other questions that can't be answered without further investigation. I for one want to know what it is that is going on, but for my own reasons. I do not undertake the task lightly though, the risk is likely to be very real." Any time a demon was involved things were dangerous.

<Weston>

"One possibility is that the treasure's guardian was sleeping while this Red was loading the horse. When he went back for more is when the trouble started", he postulated. "And ... based on what 'it' said up there", he said indicating where they had seen the 'apparition' with a nod of his head, "it was happy as long as it had it's treasure. I thought that was why we were taking it back. How do we find out more without going there? And does it really matter? If we take it back and make 'it' happy, problem solved ... right?"

Tindarien

He is not averse to carrying his own gear but having been with Nestaron and Heilbutt for some time, he had given up the contest with Heilbutt and just let him carry it. It did have the advantage of leaving his hands free for casting.

As they are led into the guest area, he admires the sea view and then the area in general. Well thought out by someone. The others start to talk and he listens.

"Of course that assumes that the river taint and the treasure are both related to the same source. They may be, they may not. I plan to go into town this afternoon. It may be that we need to procure more supplies. Does everyone have enough waterskins and food for several days? Enough rope, spikes, light sources, local clothing to help with the heat? There may be other items that people can suggest. I am willing to offer my services if anyone wishes me to purchase and carry items back here. Perhaps Hellbutt could accompany me to assist?"

He looks over at Nestaron and Heilbutt as he asks the last question.

<Weston>

"Coincidences hardly ever turn out to be that ... at least when it is something bad", he said with a shrug, not =completely= discounting the possibility. The timing of the two events made it pretty unlikely that they were =not= related.

Zoltan

He eyes the rooms offering a simple grunt of acceptance. Nicely apportioned, and the setup to entrap potential guests is not abnormal.

Moving across to a room, he pulls open the partition, enters, and drops off his gear, quickly returning to the main area. He pours himself a glass of wine and scooping up a handful of nuts he pops a few in his mouth.

He nods to Tindarien. "Yes. Whatever killed Gorulon and the others may or may not be related to the Spectre we saw. It seemed to imply that Gorulon and his companions were tied to the treasure and it's return would satisfy them. However it did not give any clues as to what it was he disturbed or what killed him. All it cared about was the treasure be returned."

He takes a drink of wine.

"I, myself, can live off the land and I have what I need." He says to Tindarien. "But I am not opposed to some window-shopping."