Chapter 1: Breathing is a Luxury

[yxanthymir]

Breathing is a Luxury

As Summer decides to ignore Rose's wish and perturb Father Mayhew further, her face becomes a mask of despair. She could believe such a degree of disrespect from anyone, specially against the most respected member of the community, Father Mayhew. She was about to leave and request help in getting rid of the troublesome elf for Arlys Morton, when Father Mayhew decided to open the door and appear before them.

Stop with that! Father Mayhew says evidently angry and preoccupied with something, looking directly at the elf. He doesn't leave the door or open it more than a small gap, but it is possible to see a lot of books spread inside the room. I am very busy and I don't want to be disturbed.

He looks at Rose and makes a negative movement of the head. She recoils in the shame of her failure. Rose, remove this stranger. And make sure I am not disturbed. Hearing the disturbance, Arlys and Benjamin, the other acolyte arrive at the scene. Together with Rose, after a brief exchange or words, they remove Summer from the church forcefully. Please go away, and don't return here. You are not welcomed anymore. Rose says to her when she is left outside the church.

 

Tobias looks at Gunhilda with an air of recognition. Dwarfs are not a very common sight here near the Desolation. Baldir? No, I don't believe he is or that he will return to work today. Everybody went to Sarah's funeral.

I am fine, but the business is very low these days. Quite some time since the last traveler passed here. Tobias says before continuing. No, I heard about her death, but I didn't know the cause. A sickness, you said?
 

 

Edited August 26, 2023 by yxanthymir (see edit history)

[Neopopulas]

Strength: 9 (-1) | Agility: 10 (+0) | Intellect: 12 (+2) | Will: 12 (+2) | Perception: 13 (+3 | Defense: 10 | Health: 13/13 | Healing Rate: 4 | Speed: 12 | Power: 1

Professions: Artist (Music, Painter), Scholar (Magic, Medicine, War, Occult), Hunter, Courtier | Languages: Common Tongue, High Archaic, Elvish, Dark Speech, Dwarfish
ShadowsightYou can see into areas obscured by shadows as if those areas were well lit., Spell DefenseYou take half damage from spells and you make any challenge roll to resist a spell with 1 boon. A creature attacking you with a spell makes the attack roll with 1 bane, Bewitching PresenceYour magical nature alters how others see you and behave around you. You make attack rolls in social situations with 1 boon. If you touch or are touched by an object made from iron, you lose this trait for as long as you remain in contact with the object and for 1 minute afterward, Immune (Damage from Disease, Diseased, and Charmed condition). Sense Magic (2/2)
Fire Tradition: Control Flame (2/2), Flame Missile (2/2), Fire Blast (1/1), Sword of Fire (1/1),
Forbidden Tradition: Harm (2/2), Face Rip (2/2), Hateful Defecation (1/1)
Shadow Tradition: Darkling's Raiment (2/2), Steal Shadow (2/2)

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Summer looks most offended. She could not believe anyone would turn her away like this - the manners! so rude, the height of ill-raised human manners, she never..

She goes, but she does so in a huff, clearly expressing her displeasure while at the same time making no attempt to go against the wishes of her escort.. "WELL, I suppose I will just find my friends and THEN we will discuss all this business." With another huff she turns from Rose and makes her way off, fully intending to find out what Father Mayhew is hiding, as she is now completely convinced of his nefariousness - due almost entirely to the fact he refused to accept her.

She moves quickly to find her friends and see if they have found anything interesting.

Mechanics

 

 

 

[The Eyeball Kid]

"Aye, some terrible wasting illness it would appear", Gunhilda replies. "My friends and I have agreed to look into the matter a bit for the mayor. I thought for sure you might have some news, your shop being a mainstay of the town but, if not, I will convey the mayor's warning to isolate yourself and let him know if you should fall ill. Spread the word to any customers you do have. Father Mayhew is looking into the matter, though it sounds like he may be sick himself, and men from the High Watch are supposed to be coming."

 

[yxanthymir]

Breathing is a Luxury

Good to know. He says slightly disinterested, but he plays the part of a good host anyway. I will spread the news if someone comes here.

He seems to remember something, and snaps his fingers. The only strange thing that occurred in this village recently is the disappearance of some acolytes last week. I don't know the details of the story. Maybe you should ask Gwilherm, the innkeeper, or at the temple. But I don't know if there is a connection with this strange disease. It seems very improbable.

If you need anything, let me know. He says concluding the conversation and resuming his bored countenance.

 

[Neopopulas]

Strength: 9 (-1) | Agility: 10 (+0) | Intellect: 12 (+2) | Will: 12 (+2) | Perception: 13 (+3 | Defense: 10 | Health: 13/13 | Healing Rate: 4 | Speed: 12 | Power: 1

Professions: Artist (Music, Painter), Scholar (Magic, Medicine, War, Occult), Hunter, Courtier | Languages: Common Tongue, High Archaic, Elvish, Dark Speech, Dwarfish
ShadowsightYou can see into areas obscured by shadows as if those areas were well lit., Spell DefenseYou take half damage from spells and you make any challenge roll to resist a spell with 1 boon. A creature attacking you with a spell makes the attack roll with 1 bane, Bewitching PresenceYour magical nature alters how others see you and behave around you. You make attack rolls in social situations with 1 boon. If you touch or are touched by an object made from iron, you lose this trait for as long as you remain in contact with the object and for 1 minute afterward, Immune (Damage from Disease, Diseased, and Charmed condition). Sense Magic (2/2)
Fire Tradition: Control Flame (2/2), Flame Missile (2/2), Fire Blast (1/1), Sword of Fire (1/1),
Forbidden Tradition: Harm (2/2), Face Rip (2/2), Hateful Defecation (1/1)
Shadow Tradition: Darkling's Raiment (2/2), Steal Shadow (2/2)

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"Missing acolytes you say.." she has popped up behind Gunhilda, leaning over her shoulder but staring unblinkingly forward "Well the temple could be a good spot, but perhaps we should ask the Innkeeper first, yes?" she bends forward so she is looking down at gunhilda "Did i ever tell you I lived in the town for a little while, not too long ago either. I used to tease Gwilherm mercilessly, i'd flirt and flirt..."

She bends a little more so she can whisper in gunhilda's ear "Especially when Fari was around, she had the biggest crush on Gwilherm and she had a big mouth to boot so she was ever so much fun."

Mechanics

 

 

 

[The Eyeball Kid]

"They didn't seem to want to talk much at the temple, perhaps the inn would be a good idea. It's certainly in a similar vein to my coming here to look for gossip. I used to live here as well, though I was more attached to this place than the inn. Sounds like you've got an in there, though. Let's see what we can find out!"

 

[Neopopulas]

Strength: 9 (-1) | Agility: 10 (+0) | Intellect: 12 (+2) | Will: 12 (+2) | Perception: 13 (+3 | Defense: 10 | Health: 13/13 | Healing Rate: 4 | Speed: 12 | Power: 1

Professions: Artist (Music, Painter), Scholar (Magic, Medicine, War, Occult), Hunter, Courtier | Languages: Common Tongue, High Archaic, Elvish, Dark Speech, Dwarfish
ShadowsightYou can see into areas obscured by shadows as if those areas were well lit., Spell DefenseYou take half damage from spells and you make any challenge roll to resist a spell with 1 boon. A creature attacking you with a spell makes the attack roll with 1 bane, Bewitching PresenceYour magical nature alters how others see you and behave around you. You make attack rolls in social situations with 1 boon. If you touch or are touched by an object made from iron, you lose this trait for as long as you remain in contact with the object and for 1 minute afterward, Immune (Damage from Disease, Diseased, and Charmed condition). Sense Magic (2/2)
Fire Tradition: Control Flame (2/2), Flame Missile (2/2), Fire Blast (1/1), Sword of Fire (1/1),
Forbidden Tradition: Harm (2/2), Face Rip (2/2), Hateful Defecation (1/1)
Shadow Tradition: Darkling's Raiment (2/2), Steal Shadow (2/2)

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"oh it'll be so nice to see him again, i wonder if he'll remember me! Humans get so weird with that sort of thing, you're gone for just a little while and they start to forget all about you!"

 

 

She even takes Gunhild's arm as she leads them off towards the tavern

Mechanics

 

 

 

[yxanthymir]

Breathing is a Luxury

They go to The Two Stings Inn, a stout two-story structure of wood and stone that stands near the center of town. A large wooden shingle hangs over the door, showing an angry scorpion with two tails. When they get there, they see Gwilherm trying to fight an impossible battle against the dust. Armed with a sturdy broom, he tries vainly to keep the place clean. Other than him, the place is empty.

The inn’s owner is a middle-aged man with red hair and a handlebar mustache. Gwilherm greets you effusively with a thick accent. Greetings and be welcomed to my humble inn. He appears to recognize the elf, she used to flirt with him occasionally. Summer, is that really you? You don't seem to age a day. He says making more sweeps with his broom, before deciding to lean it at a corner near the counter.

The fight lost.
 

 

[Neopopulas]

Strength: 9 (-1) | Agility: 10 (+0) | Intellect: 12 (+2) | Will: 12 (+2) | Perception: 13 (+3 | Defense: 10 | Health: 13/13 | Healing Rate: 4 | Speed: 12 | Power: 1

Professions: Artist (Music, Painter), Scholar (Magic, Medicine, War, Occult), Hunter, Courtier | Languages: Common Tongue, High Archaic, Elvish, Dark Speech, Dwarfish
ShadowsightYou can see into areas obscured by shadows as if those areas were well lit., Spell DefenseYou take half damage from spells and you make any challenge roll to resist a spell with 1 boon. A creature attacking you with a spell makes the attack roll with 1 bane, Bewitching PresenceYour magical nature alters how others see you and behave around you. You make attack rolls in social situations with 1 boon. If you touch or are touched by an object made from iron, you lose this trait for as long as you remain in contact with the object and for 1 minute afterward, Immune (Damage from Disease, Diseased, and Charmed condition). Sense Magic (2/2)
Fire Tradition: Control Flame (2/2), Flame Missile (2/2), Fire Blast (1/1), Sword of Fire (1/1),
Forbidden Tradition: Harm (2/2), Face Rip (2/2), Hateful Defecation (1/1)
Shadow Tradition: Darkling's Raiment (2/2), Steal Shadow (2/2)

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She's not disappointed, but she certainly looks Gwilherm up and down and finds the changes less than she wanted, oh well "I can't say the same for you, though!"

She can make it sound friendly though "This is my friend, Gunhilda." with her hand against of her short friends back she gives a shove to put her out front.

 

Mechanics

 

 

 

[The Eyeball Kid]

"Watch the hands!", Gunhilda mutters out of the corner of her mouth to Summer. "Yer the one that knows folks 'ere...."

"Gunhilda Firebraid, at yer service", she says to the man. Looking around, she can't help but notice that the place is empty. "No offense, but it's kind of dead in here. Is it the funeral, or is something else going on?"

[yxanthymir]

Typical, you! - He says grinning. - I see that your sense of humor remains the same. Can't say I understand it very well. - He leans close to Grunhilda and whispers to her. - Or if it is humor at all.

He listens to Grunhilda inquire about the movement and open his arms with palms up. Movement has been bad lately, and the dust storm and the funeral didn't help with the issue. - As soon as he says these words, his facial expression becomes more contrite.

Have you come for the funeral? You were very close then. I only knew about this morning.

[Neopopulas]

Strength: 9 (-1) | Agility: 10 (+0) | Intellect: 12 (+2) | Will: 12 (+2) | Perception: 13 (+3 | Defense: 10 | Health: 13/13 | Healing Rate: 4 | Speed: 12 | Power: 1

Professions: Artist (Music, Painter), Scholar (Magic, Medicine, War, Occult), Hunter, Courtier | Languages: Common Tongue, High Archaic, Elvish, Dark Speech, Dwarfish
ShadowsightYou can see into areas obscured by shadows as if those areas were well lit., Spell DefenseYou take half damage from spells and you make any challenge roll to resist a spell with 1 boon. A creature attacking you with a spell makes the attack roll with 1 bane, Bewitching PresenceYour magical nature alters how others see you and behave around you. You make attack rolls in social situations with 1 boon. If you touch or are touched by an object made from iron, you lose this trait for as long as you remain in contact with the object and for 1 minute afterward, Immune (Damage from Disease, Diseased, and Charmed condition). Sense Magic (2/2)
Fire Tradition: Control Flame (2/2), Flame Missile (2/2), Fire Blast (1/1), Sword of Fire (1/1),
Forbidden Tradition: Harm (2/2), Face Rip (2/2), Hateful Defecation (1/1)
Shadow Tradition: Darkling's Raiment (2/2), Steal Shadow (2/2)

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Setting her hand on Gunhilda's head she smiles at Gwilherm "its always been fun, but this time i brought a new friend of my own. But the timing was purely coincidental i assure you."

 

Mechanics