6. Gosterwick

You spend a rather uncomfortable night on the common room floor at the Broken Head, waking to another chilly, rainy day.

After settling your dues with Kettlebelly*, you depart the inn and make your way across the ruined city (1 hour), before carefully navigating the treacherous path down the cliff face (4 hours). Once safely at the foot of the thunderous waterfall, in the shadow of the huge stone colossi of Arden and Vul, you embark on the 9-mile journey south along the Imperial Road to Gosterwick (9 hours). It’s late in the evening before the town’s lights finally come into view.

I’ve added a section on Gosterwick in the "Lore" thread, along with a couple of maps.

*If you haven’t already done so, please deduct 13 silver pieces each for last night’s stay at The Broken Head, and someone deduct 10 silver pieces for Billie’s stabling.

---
10:00 pm, Lunday 3rd Lucrios (April) 2993 AEP
Ellagel, Elven Fighter/Magic User 1/1: 6/6, 60’
Grimidek, Dwarven Cleric 1: 9/9, 60’
Jacky, Halfling Fighter/Thief 1/1: 4/6, 60’
Thrudmarr, Wiskin Fighter 1: 5/5, 60’ (Lantern)
Zacharias, Archontean Fighter 1: 10/10, 60’
---
Billie, Mule: 120’

Link to Jacky’s maps …

"While we're here, let's ask around about the dragon too. It couldn't hurt to know a little more - maybe how often it goes out hunting, for one thing."

Thrudmarr plods along wearily, water dripping from his hair and beard. His stomach has been growling for the last hour, and the sight of Gosterwick's welcoming lights makes him almost stumble with eagerness.

"Food soon!" He pats his coin pouch through his wet pack, already dreaming of hot stew and ale.

And ALE, adds our dwarven fellow!

Waddling into Gosterwick, our dwarven fellow gazes brown bulging eyes all around, for the local tavern, to enjoy a drink with friends. Then, on to the local remple. For that he may pay homage to Lucrean, for helping him make it this far!

Well now, I be wantin’ an ale, n’ then a visit to the temple! Finally, friends, I could upgrade meh armor, if our coin’ll allow get it!

So many things fer ta do!

Zacharias Polipulis flirted with moroseness yet again. This adventure was not going to plan. Well, maybe we will get some coin in town, and I can upgrade my outfitting. Going to need more to protect these pre-arthritic joints now. Slapping his forehead, he realized he hadn't thanked Jacky for covering his inn-bill. Mama always said to be grateful to those who do you favors. Walking up to the rogue, Zach cleared his throat and said "Much thanks, Master Juliette, for your kindness and graciousness, covering our bill for the past evening. A thousand blessings on the heads of you and your mule Beelzebub."

Aye, Jackey! Yer kindness don’t go unnoticed on this ol’ dwarf! Thank ya fer de room n’ de board! Ya know ol’ Grim’s always got yer back!

"Don't mention it," Jacky waves a hand. "Although, if you could be inclined to learn my proper name, Zacharias, that would be a fine way to thank me!"

The halfling will traipse with Grim to the tavern and hobnob about for any juicy rumours. The dragon would be an easy conversation starter, he wagers.

"Of course, Master Jeffrerson. I will make extra efforts!" Zacharias responded to Jacky in earnest.

Gosterwick
(This post is somewhat out of sequence, but I think you’re going to need this information so you can decide whether to keep or sell the codex, and the corresponding effect on your XP).

Whilst the others spend their days training, Ella studies the mysterious title-less codex that is inscribed simply as "Property of Eustachius the Cantor" on the inside cover.

Through the casting of multiple Comprehend Languages spells, she is able to discern that the codex, which consists of leather-bound parchment, is a miscellany of various sections:

- Descriptive notes of a variety of Thothian liturgies (Litany of Light, Canticle of Revelation, a Psalmody).

- Descriptions and vague summoning notes for beings known as the "Guardians".

- A 10-folio history of the temple of Thoth within Arden Vul.

- A series of capsule hagiographies of early high priests.

- The exact note sequence for a song called the Cantor’s Lament.

- Two unique spells: "The Pummeling Fists of Arak-Zhorr" (Magic User 2) and "Curse Item" (Cleric 5, Magic User 6, Illusionist 6).

Barkeep! Ale!

Oh listen how ol’ Grim bellows forth his kind call in ye ole tavern! A dwarven priest in need of alcoholic attention! Grim sits and banters with Jacky whilst intermittently fidgeting with the holy symbol adorning his obnoxiously thick neck.

Well now, if there be anyone in here fer ta share a rumor r’ three, regarding the dragon r’ de dungeons r’ some such, then ol’ Grim’ll be wise ta hear it! ’Specially if there be a fellow dwarf involved. I’m more likeable ta meh own kind ya know, n’ all like dat!

Well said, dwarven fellow. Well. Said.

Zacharias enters the tavern after Grimidek, and watches with some amusement as the dwarf cannot help himself but to bellow for ale. With Josephine paying for my inn bill, I can spare a coin or two for an ale myself, he thinks.

Zach approaches the table at which Grimidek and Jacky sit, lets his pack fall to his feet, and leans his rather large sword and his shield against the table, deciding that when the waitstaff arrives to take care of the loud dwarf, he too would ask for a nice, cold lager.

Thrudmarr follows his companions into the tavern, shaking rainwater from his hair and beard. The warmth and smell of ale immediately lifts his spirits after the long, wet journey. When he hears Grim bellowing for ale, his face breaks into a wide grin. He approaches the bar with heavy footsteps and slams a handful of coins down.

"Ale! Big ale!"

After receiving his first (of many) rounds, he looks around the tavern, scoping out the locals. "Who drink most?", he holds up his mug challengingly.

Gosterwick
You enter Gosterwick through the town’s Water Gate, a gatehouse anchored by two 15’-diameter stone towers that blocks the narrow strand between the ridge and the lake. From there, Grim’s sixth sense for ale leads you swiftly to The Yellow Cloak Inn (building 21 on the town map).

The Yellow Cloak occupies one of the oldest structures in Gosterwick on a favourable site adjoining the Central Market. The main structure is painted imperial yellow and is 5 stories tall. Facing Stone Street, the ground floor of the main structure holds reception, a lounge, and the upper-class common room, while the upper floors are divided into individual rooms for rent. The subsidiary structure faces Imperial Row and is newer, being only three stories tall; the ground floor holds the kitchen and main common room, while the upper two floors contain several dormitory-style bunkrooms.

With drinks procured, you settle down and ask around about the dragon. Whilst several of the patrons have heard rumours of a "terrible dragon that rules the surface ruins of Ardent Vul", no one has ever seen it.

---

Whilst you’re in Gosterwick we’ll move to a more freeform timescale rather than running things turn-by-turn. Just let me know what you’d like to do over the coming days, and we’ll work through those activities accordingly. Grim, Thrud and Zach will be spending most of their time training, but that doesn’t preclude them from minor activities such as shopping.

---
11:00 pm, Lunday 3rd Lucrios (April) 2993 AEP
Ellagel, Elven Fighter/Magic User 1/1: 6/6, 60’
Grimidek, Dwarven Cleric 1: 9/9, 60’
Jacky, Halfling Fighter/Thief 1/1: 4/6, 60’
Thrudmarr, Wiskin Fighter 1: 5/5, 60’ (Lantern)
Zacharias, Archontean Fighter 1: 10/10, 60’
---
Billie, Mule: 120’

Link to Jacky’s maps …

"Well, if any of you doubt that the dragon's real, you can head on over up to the Broken Head," Jacky suggests. "I wager you'll get a chance to see it soon enough!"

Jacky's not quite given up hope on deciphering the constellation he's drawn just yet. Are there any scholarly types in town he might go ask about the drawing?

Training takes 1-4 weeks!

Grim wilm take the next three weeks training with local clergy and fighters. Getting himself at a place to prepare more spells, and practicing with hammer and shield.
New armor may need to wait, and that assuming we can afford 3 weeks of training, along with room and board.

Training - Grim
There is a temple dedicated to Lucreon in Gosterwick (location 10 in the town map), so Grim heads there in search of training.

The shrine is a classic, three-chamber structure. The front is the ante-cella, in which the clerics and the devout congregate. The middle chamber is known as the cella, and it is here that the main rituals take place. On the opposite side of the cella is the postern; it is unconnected to the cella and holds the administrative offices and apartments of the clergy.

The main cultic object within the cella is the colossal granite statue of Lucreon, dressed as an Archontean factor associate, holding a massive bag of coins in his outstretched right hand. A large wooden chest sits below the money bag; believers are encouraged to place their offerings into the chest.

Lucreon’s shrine is home to one of the most impressive mysteries of the temples of Gosterwick. As soon as a coin drops to the bottom of the wooden offering box, it magically appears in the air above the statue of Lucreon and falls 10’ into the god’s open money bag. As a result, during important rituals, a near-constant stream of coins may be seen to come clinking down from thin air to fill the god’s bag.

Grim receives his training from one of the temple’s resident clerics, Halidor the Observant. It takes 3 weeks.

Training - Thrud and Zach
Thrud and Zach go to The Azure Keep, the home of the Knights of the Azure Shield (location 1 on the town map), for their training.

The keep is sited atop a curved ridge that rises 45’ above the flatlands surrounding it. The central tower of the keep is 50’ square, with four above-ground floors (plus the roof level) and two below-ground cellars. The cylindrical roof reaches nearly 65’ above the ridge and is sheathed with sky-blue porcelain tiles. Access to the keep is via wooden stairs rising to doors set into the keep walls at the level of the first floor (in other words, there is no ground-floor access). Numerous arrow slits, or windows, dot the walls of the first, second and third floors; each window can be shuttered from within the keep. The roof level has four larger openings in its walls that allow ballistae to fire at attackers from all directions. Although the square tower is the oldest and most recognisable element of the keep, the keep also comprises two walled baileys lying to the north and south of the tower. In the northern bailey may be found the stables of the Order, as well as a stone barracks and residence for the knights and their guests.

The keep is governed by Sept Commander Horatius Gesellion. Three Knight Commanders assist him: Gaius Christopher Relleion, Martin Hadellor and Lucia Nemead. The remaining 27 knights are divided into 3 conrois, or troops, of nine knights, each led by one of the Knight Commanders.

It is Martin Hadellor, the Arms Master, who oversees Thrud's and Zach’s training. Zach’s training takes 2 weeks (Thrud - please roll me a 1d4 for the duration of your training).

---

You may all roll for your additional hit points. Grim gains an additional 1st level spell, and Thrud’s and Zach’s To-Hit improves by 1.

Jacky's Constellation
Asking around, Jacky is directed to Astableon, Gosterwick's resident scribe and bookseller. His small shop (location 29 on the town map) is stuffed with several hundred codices and bound scrolls.

Jacky - you have a 60% chance of finding some information on the constellation within Astableon's various manuscripts ... please go ahead and roll.

---
Ellagel, Elven Fighter/Magic User 1/1: 6/6, 60’
Grimidek, Dwarven Cleric 2: ?/?, 60’
Jacky, Halfling Fighter/Thief 1/1: 4/6, 60’
Thrudmarr, Wiskin Fighter 2: ?/?, 60’ (Lantern)
Zacharias, Archontean Fighter 2: ?/?, 60’
---
Billie, Mule: 120’

Link to Jacky’s maps …

Jacky looks about the cluttered bookstore with interest. Surely if there was a book to have information about the star-map he'd drawn, it would be found inside here. "It must have taken years and years to have read all these, master Astableon," the halfling ventures. "Which one is your favorite?"

Thrudmarr follows Zach through the keep, his eyes darting around at the knights and their gleaming weapons. When introduced to Martin Hadellor, he attempts an awkward bow

"Arms Master! Thrud ready learn!" He hefts his battle axe proudly, showing it to the knight "Thrud have good axe! Learn use better!"

Our dwarven fellow bows fervently. His prayerful proceedings following reverently the teachings of Halidor the Observant.

Well now, I can already say, Brothers, I must refrain from hard drink. I fell into alcoholic ways of meh fightin’ forebears. That’s also how I acquired and gave kept meh beard. But I realize, a good dwarf in this realm abstains from liquor. Gonna do what I need to do, to keep meh-self pure of heart n’ mind.

In between sessions of supplication, Grim scribes a list and begins an accounting of the party’s treasure. Hoping to keep a meticulous record as but a good ol’ dwarf can do!

Astableon the Scribe and Bookseller (Location 29)
"My favourite? Why, that’s an impossible choice! Like picking between one’s children. Every book has its merit, one way or another. Though, as you’ve been asking about dragons, there is one tome I would very much like to acquire should you come across it - 'A History of Dragonkind' by Yasidoranicil. Were you to find a copy during your adventures, I would pay handsomely for it."

Astableon helps Jacky locate a book on astronomy. Between the two of you, you match Jacky’s sketch to the Constellation of the Ibis.

---
Ellagel, Elven Fighter/Magic User 1/1: 6/6, 60’
Grimidek, Dwarven Cleric 2: 13/13, 60’
Jacky, Halfling Fighter/Thief 1/1: 6/6, 60’
Thrudmarr, Wiskin Fighter 2: 7/7, 60’ (Lantern)
Zacharias, Archontean Fighter 2: ?/?, 60’
---
Billie, Mule: 120’

Link to Jacky’s maps …

Jacky assures the bookseller that he'll keep the title in mind. "The Ibis?" Jacky says, tugging an ear. "That chamber I copied it from must have some relation to that god Thoth, then." Thanking the man for his time, the halfling purchases some parchment and writing materials before leaving the shop.With that done, Jacky will make for the shores of Totey Lake with his trusty ten-foot-pole-cum-fishing-rod. Fisherfolk surely must have stories to tell, and he'll get a spot of fishing done at the same time - what better way to while away some time?

Zacharias spent two full weeks at The Azure Keep, sweating profusely. It was clear that a 29-year-old body was not the same as that of a 19-year-old. Moreover, he was worried about the bill coming due. He knew Lady Ellagel and Jacky would get the best prices for their loot, but it always irked him to have unpaid bills. Momma always said a gentlemen didn't leave his debts unpaid, he thought for the fifty-jillionth time as he parried a nasty slash to the head with his shield and thrust forward with his bastard sword. I wonder if I'll have any coin left for new equipment.

EditEdit 2

Ellagel spends the next three weeks engrossed in the reading, a quarter hour per day, of the mysterious codex the party retrieved in the Halls. She knows she would be unable to transcribe the contents of the book, but she makes copious notes of the contents she manages to interpret thanks to the eldritch invocations she used every morning.

Taking an afternoon break from his clerical training, our dwarven fellow waddles over to the Smithy. In searching of armorous upgrades!
Aye! Can ye provide a suit of plate mail, r’ banded mail at least, fer an ole dwarf?!
Grim gestures at his studded leather armor, worn calloused stubby fingers. I have this studded leather, if ya will take it on a trade!

Ella in Gosterwick
I don’t have any more specific details of the contents of the codex. However, I will assume that Ella has made sufficient notes that if you come across something in the Halls that might possibly have been mentioned within its pages, then I’ll give you a chance to know something relevant. I will also drop the details of the two spells it contains into the Lore thread.
There are three merchant factors in Gosterwick that provide banking services (some of these are the same factors the merchants in The Broken Head represent):

- The Rarities Factor - the newest of the factors, recently founded by Wicktrimmer, an imperial goblin and retired adventurer. They will accept deposits of at least 150 gp and charge 0.75% of their value each month.

- The Silent Factor - a somewhat mysterious factor that believes anonymity in business transactions ensures that egos, rivalries, and enmities do not spoil good business. The minimum deposit is 500 gp with a 1.25% per month service fee.

- The Prosperity Factor - an empire-wide merchant collective. Minimum deposit of 250 gp with a 1% monthly service fee.
I will assume that you are able to find both a porter (labourer) and a torch bearer (linkboy). Each charges 1 silver piece per day, or 20 silver pieces per month. They also expect you to fully equip them.
In addition to Billie?

---
Ellagel, Elven Fighter/Magic User 1/1: 6/6, 60’
Grimidek, Dwarven Cleric 2: 13/13, 60’
Jacky, Halfling Fighter/Thief 1/1: 6/6, 60’
Thrudmarr, Wiskin Fighter 2: 7/7, 60’ (Lantern)
Zacharias, Archontean Fighter 2: 14/14, 60’
---
Billie, Mule: 120’

Link to Jacky’s maps …

Grim in Gosterwick
Between training sessions, Grim makes his way to the largest of Gosterwick’s three smithies. It is run by Torrun, a formidable Wiskin woman and a talented smith. She runs her smithy with an iron fist, directing her teams of apprentices in projects mundane and extraordinary (location 14 on the town map).

Plate armour doesn’t exist in the world of Arden Vul. However, Torunn can craft Grim a fine suit of banded armour for 99 gold pieces.

---
Ellagel, Elven Fighter/Magic User 1/1: 6/6, 60’
Grimidek, Dwarven Cleric 2: 13/13, 60’
Jacky, Halfling Fighter/Thief 1/1: 6/6, 60’
Thrudmarr, Wiskin Fighter 2: 7/7, 60’ (Lantern)
Zacharias, Archontean Fighter 2: 14/14, 60’
---
Billie, Mule: 120’

Link to Jacky’s maps …