Episode 1 Scene 1a : The Arrival

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Jan 5, 2020 6:49 am
The wizened old gnome puffing on a rather unusual pipe calls out, "Got some new recruits Sha or are these volunteers for me experiments?"
Jan 5, 2020 6:51 am
"No Kezzel these are recruits, although this one" Shahadur indicates Feiliani "might be keen on being one of your experimental subjects."
Jan 5, 2020 6:55 am
The old gnome seems to perk up noticeably, "Ya dunna say, ya dunna say." He looks over at Feiliani and asks with a near gleam in his eyes, "Tis dis be truth he be speakin lassy or wood he be justa pullin ole Kezzel layg?"

From close beside her Feiliani can again hear that soft nearly inaudible rumbling chuckle of Shahadur's.
Jan 5, 2020 12:15 pm
OOC:
It probably would've been more consequential if Brindel was the one to see them, since Egret has close to zero care about these things. XD (And I have no detailed knowledge about them either.)
The druid slows down his pace briefly when he notices an orc in the crowd, intrigued by a somewhat unusual passerby, but then shrugs and moves to catch up with the group. Being seen as a weird outlander himself in many places taught him to not judge by the cover, and besides, he didn't have anything against the orcs personally. Just another form of life, with a history not that different from the cultures that scorned them.

When they get to the courtyard of the fort, Egret tenses - the motion likely unnoticed by the soldiers, but obvious to his companions. He mutters something quietly, and pulls his coat tighter over his shoulders, speeding up so he can walk between Lex and Feliani. For some reason, it appears that the druid is uncomfortable here, more than in the town itself. He does look up when the gnome speaks, however, curiosity overcoming whatever other feelings he is having, chuckling at the exchange.
Last edited January 5, 2020 12:16 pm
Jan 5, 2020 12:38 pm
Fort seems pretty secure to me. Feliani thought to herself as she followed after the dragonborn as he let them through the palisade and into the fort proper. "Meister Kezzel? Feliani of High Moor." She did a small bow which looked more like a flourish. "Sir Shahadur and I were having an enjoyable conversation about the merits of being a weaponless wizard. I'm inclined to take him at his word if he is hinting at some marvelous experiment which would allow me to do so." Feliani pointed at her twin rapiers, "As you can see, I am constrained by these mundane blades. I would love to hear about your experiments." With that, she plonked herself down next to the gnome, and tried not to stare too hard at his strange pipe.
Last edited January 5, 2020 2:56 pm
Jan 5, 2020 1:52 pm
Experiments? Lex asks from the middle of the group. Arcane? Alchemical? I cannot volunteer for your experiments as they may corrupt my own data but I would love the opportunity to discuss them. Also, any leads you may have on the magical properties of the local flora and fauna would be much appreciated. Oh where are manners. My name is Lex. Pleased to meet you. Now about the components? I am wriing a book, you see?
Last edited January 6, 2020 12:43 am
Jan 5, 2020 2:09 pm
Egret obviously perks up as he hears Lex mentioning flora and fauna, prompting the tiefling to step forward as well. He makes a small bow towards the gnome. "I too would be much obliged if you shared information on the local nature, master Kezzel," the druid smiles brightly. "Egret, druid of the Circle of the Land, at your service." He glances at Lex briefly, doubt if he should have interrupted crossing his mind for a moment, but he shakes it off and straightens up. "I didn't have a chance to make acquaintance with the plant life of these lands yet."
Jan 6, 2020 2:14 am
OOC:
I concur FlyingSucculent but as I said Brindel was just too short to see it, still it was a rather unusual thing for Egret to see and not something he would have ever witnessed any where else.
Kezzel was a bit surprised by all the sudden attention but before he could respond to any of them, a gusty roar of laughter broke forth from the lips of Shahadur surprising everyone within ear shot and even startling a few. Even some guards with weapons readied rushed to see what was up.

"Oh now that was unexpected. Well Kez it appears you might have visitors later to your abode but for now I do not have the time to let you all chat with ole Kez since he would simply take all day. Still he is a rather a... non-stable part of the Forts environs so you will have ample time to seek him out with all your questions. Sorry Kez duty calls I must take your adoring fans to meet Kustaa." With that he walks up the short steps and opens one of the large doors. "Come now," he motions his head towards the opening, "we must be going."
Jan 6, 2020 2:45 am
Still a bit surprised by it all Kezzel seems very happy, "By all means, by all means, do drop by. For we can speak of many things," Kezzel becomes a bit animated as he strikes out poetically, "of leaves—" he points to Lex, "and seeds—" he points to Egret "and sealing-wax—" he points to Feliani "of additives—" he pulls his hand back palm up, "and rings" he closes his hand and turns it over and rests it on his knee as he squints and looks at each in turn as he says, "and why that river is utter black and whether snakes have wings." He then nods as he concludes, "But when you come—please do bring—a loaf of fresh baked bread, some pepper and vinegar we'd chiefly need, to compliment those oysters gathered freshly out of bed."
Jan 6, 2020 6:10 am
"Fare thee well, Kezzel," Brindel says as he follows Shahadur.
Jan 6, 2020 8:58 am
"I can contribute to those oysters too. Maybe later then." Feliani smiled, and then rejoined Shahadur by his side as they continued, warming up to the dutiful demeanor of the dragonborn. "It seems to me the security of this fort is no small matter. I can't wait to hear about the dangers of this place, but I'm guessing that's best discussed inside, away from prying ears."
Jan 6, 2020 11:37 am
Lex sighs disappointedly. Clearly mad. he whispers to Egret and Feliani after they are safely put of earshot.
Last edited January 6, 2020 11:37 am
Jan 6, 2020 12:41 pm
"Eccentric maybe. Overdramatic for sure. Mad? Hmm..." Feliani whispered back.
Jan 6, 2020 1:12 pm
Corners of the mouth twitching, as if resisting a smile, Egret seriously adds: "Aren't we all, in a way?" He waves at Kezzel, and then turns to follow the others deeper into the fort, now focused on his thoughts of local nature.
Jan 8, 2020 8:27 am
As the group passes through the door it is only Brindel that notes that the door is actually textured stained stone and from his limited knowledge knows that such a door that size has to be set expertly in order to be opened with the ease that was used. Further he knows that this was something that got assigned to the more experienced Dwarven Engineers due to its complexity.

The group steps into a 20 foot wide hallway and, once everyone, including Katsmon, has entered, Shahadur steps in and closes the door completely shutting out the exterior light as there are no windows within the hallway and so finely are the doors set not even a crack of light can be seen about them. The evenly spaced wall sconces that provide ample light to the hallway and whose fires, which are noticed by all, give off no smoke thus indicating that some sort of magic was at work here.
Jan 8, 2020 8:29 am
"Well you all have the esteemed pleasure of being one of the select few groups of new recruits to have been formally invited to spend time with Ole Kez. Since I seemed to have facilitated his placing an order for his favorite meal with you all, something that does not happen all that often, actually. I feel it is my duty to share with you these following things. His favorite bread is made at the Rock Inn a place you," he indicates Brindel, "may enjoy. Just ask them for the Kez Special. His favorite oysters can be gotten from Zinwynn, who can also be found relaxing at the Rock Inn during the evening. His favorite vinegar is the spicy Chardonnay made at the Book Inn a place you two." He indicates both Lex and Egret, "from what it sounds like may find of interest. The place is bit pricey from what I hear but I think you will understand the why of it once you check it out. As for his favorite peppers those come from, of all places, Mams Inn a place that you," he indicates Brindel again, "will most likely not care to go to, and they are called Mams’ Pickled Ears. Now you can get what you like, but those will put the ole man in a very agreeable state even if he had a bad day. Now follow me."
Jan 8, 2020 8:29 am
Shahadur walks down the hallway and just past a pair of doors about 30 feet on either side are a set of 10 foot wide stairs on either side and at the end of the hallway are another set of large doors. The stairs on the right go down and the stairs on left go up which are the ones that Shahadur takes leading the group up to the second floor. Upon reaching the second floor he turns to his left down a 10 feet wide hallway that actually goes in both directions with Arrow Loops spaced evenly along the outer wall. Shahadur goes only about 10 feet down before opening a normal sized door and ushers everyone inside.

Inside the 20 by 20 room are a pair of desks between which a large map of Far Reach hangs on the wall. Off to the left is a large table covered in stacks of parchment and scrolls. To the right is a large book shelf containing books and scrolls. Sitting at the left-hand desk upon entry is a Dwarf, must be Kustaa, and standing beside him is an Elf. They both watch as the group files in. Again once everyone as entered, including Katsmon, Shahadur enters and closes the door.
Jan 8, 2020 8:32 am
The Dwarf appears a bit worn and sounds a bit weary as he asks, "New recruits?"
Jan 8, 2020 8:32 am
Shahadur replies, "Yes fresh off the caravan, I brought them here because your kinsmen has an heirloom he was honor bound not to part with."
Jan 8, 2020 8:32 am
Kustaa nods and motions for Brindel to approach the desk. When Brindel gets close to the desk he says, "Let me see," as he taps the top of his desk.
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