Session #10, as told by Inez
Dear Diary,
As we got out of our tents, we found the surroundings drowned by rain, including poor Jonathan and the Owl Bear cups. Where Finn and I had proper tents, Jonathan just had an improvised shelter, that did not have an answer to the rains of that night. The poor halfling did not have a lot of sleep, lurking under a tree, in contrast to his counterpart Finn, who awoke in great spirits. Myself, I had dozed away, not even my new skills or the found goblin book, had managed to keep me awake. Only to be visited again by the Idol in my nightmares. Still, I felt quite well and nourished. Putting my dress on, I found the marks of the tentacle still formed a strange decoration around my middle, covering front and back. Not sore or itchy, but a pattern of small circles, not unlike a map of the Storm Horns used during my lessons at home. Hopefully this trophy will fade soon, dear Diary!
The halflings were determined to set off for Magki, after having breakfast of course. My suggestions of revisiting the village or practicing some magic on the cubs did not find an audience. Gesturing with his varicolored hands, Finn made clear that we finally should move towards our agreed on destination. And that he was not in a mood to talk about the dye of his arms, or my magical plans for that matter. What followed was a strange debate on which direction to take, with Finn showing that not only his moral compass was a bit off. I know, I know, dear diary, my ethical path these days does not follow the path of Azuth either. Finally we set off on the road in the same direction the mysterious rider had taken nights ago.
Wearing my office outfit was not a big help in the wetness we encountered. Even on the road my pair of Twinkletoe & Sonstiny, tasteful glitter embedded in silk, shoes shone very elegantly, meanwhile filling up with water and dirt. Stylefully slippery I tried to find my way, neglecting the sights and shaking of heads of my fellow travelers. But then, after a long curve in the road, we found ourselves standing at the bank of the brook that had flooded the road during the night. Now a small creek had formed, and we could see the road continuing a few hundred meters away. Much too far and too deep to be waded through for us small folks.
Jonathan was the one who became almost enthusiastic about this barrier: “Did any of you bring a boat?”; he asked, and he meant it. “If not, let us outflank the water, follow me!”; and he took off into the woods next to the road. “Who’s dumber, the fool, or the ones following him?” Finn shot at me as I followed the priest. “Well, you could not find the North if you were stuck on the Aurora gear!”; did I reply, a bit too harsh, I admit. Luckily the halfling did not catch the gnomish bite. Trailing after Jonathan, we made up a strange queue, me in the middle of the two halfling men, the three of us followed at some distance by the Owl Bear cubs. The three critters were almost as excited about our trip as our pathfinder. Though I had to admit that despite my wet feet, I managed quite well in conquering the landscape. Even receiving compliments about it from Jonathan; “You’re becoming quite the adventurer, Inez!”; and Finn; “You walk these woods as if there’s a sale going on in Nook’s shopping district!”. My reply that I was a member of the Gnomish girl scouts of Nook and that’s where I received training in rough terrain, was then met with cynical laughter from the both of them. Dear diary, if only halfling men took women as seriously as they take their next meal, the world would be a less foolish place.
We made quite a good pace, perhaps because I gave both men the silent treatment. We managed to bypass the stream and get back on the road again. After a while the woods around it started thinning, giving way for meadows and ploughland. We passed some farms and by the end of the afternoon we approached a village. It was encircled by a palisade and people, almost all of them tall folks, were wandering in and out of its gate. By some means I managed to sway the cubs away, back into the woods and wait there. Not sure if that message came across, but at least they did not follow us into the small town.
Upon entering the locals looked upon us, still no questions were asked and the villagers were supposedly used to travelers passing by. No small folks or small houses to be seen, no elves either, this village was a typical human settlement. We made our way towards the village square, where amongst several buildings, one obviously was the local inn. Finn and Jonathan immediately set course in search of ‘finally a proper meal’. However I felt that we needed to find some intel first and approached the nearest female I saw. Bowing courteously as instructed so many times byHigh keeper Ironmantle, I introduced myself as ‘Clara Bergotter’, not wanting to give away my name. Hearing this, both Jonathan and Finn started paying attention to our conversation. The lady told me her name was Kayleth Mishan, owner of the bookstore annex postoffice. And enquired whether I was here to pick up the solicitors papers. Surprising myself, and Jonathan who was silenced by a poke of Finn, I answered that this was exactly the reason for my visit. And made an appointment with her to collect the documents later that afternoon at her shop. Then she greeted me graciously and walked on.
Blushing, I had to admit to Finn and Jonathan that I did not have a true plan, other than not knowing if my father and his solicitors practice was seen in a benign way in the village. “Let’s have a meal first.”; once more did the job of ending troublesome questions by my two companions. We walked over, maneuvering between the puddles of mud on the square, towards the inn. Entering the ‘Sleeping Badger’, we were welcomed by Axyss Dreadfield, who announced herself as the owner of the establishment. My guess was that she’s probably partly elfish, as she turned out to be rather welcoming to us small folks.
“Another Badger”; I said to the two halflings; “Hopefully this time the floor will hold!” “No, nothing to worry about, love.”; our hostess reacted to this. “We have small folks tables near one of the fireplaces and special rooms as well. None underground unfortunately, but as good as it gets!” She led us through a passage into the central hall. This Badger was slightly smaller and less decorated than its counterpart in Nook, but felt much less intimidating. The place was packed and we were dropped at a table by our hostess in haste. An all ale order was in the books before we ever had the change to even ask a question and Axyss was off again. Minutes later she returned with three pints of ale, dropping them on the table. “You want the stew as well?”; she did not truly ask but commanded. Finn had the nerve to ask for cheese to go with the stew, which disrupted and annoyed the lady plainly. But only for a moment, as once more she took off before I had the opportunity to ask any questions.
Acknowledging the disappointment of getting no useful information out of our waitress, I walked over to the table that was taken by dwarfs. They looked to me like some older merchants, beards braided with silver wires and golden rings, ledgers, notebooks and even an abacus on the table. Twisting my back in a series of bows as taught in my etiquette lessons, I tried as politely as I could to join their conversation. Clearly failing, as the gentlemen waved me off indecorously: “Little girl, there’s no place for you at this table. Now behave like proper gnomish: turn around and run!” Dear diary, I have never been treated by dwarfs like that before! If only High keeper Ironmantle would have been here! But now the only option was to return to my table and admit my defeat to the halflings.
My return to our table coincided with the Axyss delivering our meals. She made quite the grandiloquent statement about Finn’s ordering of extra stew to go with or in the stew, like this was a case for the local court. Luckily Jonathan could mask my irritations thanking her honestly for our food. And the stews were indeed quite good for such an establishment. While we were eating, all three of us noticed that other guests were looking and pointing towards Finn. The locals had the decency to wait until we had finished, before they sent over a volunteer, a young human by the name of Carrion Gallows. He approached Finn: “Are you here to help us out with the problem?” Before my rogue companion could rebuff this, I took over the conversation, once more to my own wonderment: “That’s correct, this fellow is gonna help you out! We traveled here exactly to do that!”
From here our conversation meandered from misunderstanding through confusion towards some sort of agreed upon transaction. Carrion turned out to be the son of the blacksmith, my name was Karla Seaotter (frowning companions), the city under siege at night by rats the size of dogs, Finn the wished for ratcatcher for who else would order extra cheese, the three of us experienced mercenaries traveling from city to city to exterminate vermin, now hired for the coming night. Without a contract or settled reward. Well, perhaps something we should negotiate later with the mayor, Grimbus Battleflour. Let’s shake hands... Am I really the daughter of a solicitor, dear diary? Still Finn did not look too unhappy about our deal and job, whereas Jonathan was looking to me, then to Finn, with big puzzled eyes: “Finn, does Inez have secrets for us? Are we really ratcatchers, or did she just invent that? And wait, is ‘Karla Seaotter’ even her name? I’m so confused!"” The poor priest was lost in the web of stories and lies I had dissed up to the locals by now. And to be honest, dear diary, so was I.
At least we got a room in the inn without payment (hopefully). A large key dangling from the much too large tale of a rat was handed to Finn by Axyss. So we took our stuff to store it there for the night. The accommodation turned out not to be that ragged as I had expected. And it had four separate beds, which was according to our host: “A big bonus for being small folks, twice the number of beds! Though some of you may be disappointed.” With that comment and an ambiguous smile towards me, she left us. We each chose a crib, then used the fourth to drop our equipment on. “Let’s have a small break, then we’ll have to find the bookstore of Kayleth" ; I proposed. “You’re still continuing that little scheme, Karla?” ; Finn responded, making fun of my messing up the stage name. “Yes, yes, those documents could become handy in Magki.” Somehow, my bluff was not called.
So, a little while later, we were on our way. Finding our way by asking around, I knocked on the door, then entered, to find Kayleth waiting with the papers. All went well until she asked: “Can you show me your signet of the Solicitor’s office, please?” “Ehmm, I’m afraid I don’t have that with me. I just entered service as a junior and haven’t got my own yet.” My red headed response did not even convince Jonathan. “Well, how can that be? And you told me that you first worked in Nook.” “Well yes, I was an assistant there for several years. Then the solicitor's daughter took over and I found this job in Magki.” “Oh yes, don’t start me on the sons and daughters of bosses. And that girlie from Nook is even known around here. Fancy face and clothes, thinks she’s the gnome queen herself! Not to say anything about your queen of course!” “Of course not! Thanks for your understanding!” I managed to stammer. Looking around I saw one halfling listening in on us in utter bewilderment, and the other smiling ironically towards me.
To make matters worse, the door opened and a black clad stiff and pale male human entered, obviously the true courier. “Well, I’ll try to contact the office or even travel myself there and back to obtain the signet. I understand fully that you can’t trust the documents to me without. And don’t hand them over to anyone else without a proper seal, there are a lot of imposters on the road these days.” ; I finished our conversation with a proper bow that was returned by Kayleth. Then I gestured and hissed at Finn: “Get the seal from that guy, it’s probably in his bag!” Rolling his eyes in response, he walked over to the door casually, only to bump into the tall human. “Excuse me, dear fellow” ; the rogue uttered, then walked out the door. Followed by Jonathan and me: “Did you get it?” Finn turned around, smiling, showing the sigil on his hand palm, then handing it to me. And the only response I could think of, dear diary, was a kiss on the cheek of my thieving companion.
As we, especially me, did not want to wait to answer questions from the courier or Kayleth, we rushed away discreetly. My mind was rushing on what I just had done, I did not dare thinking on how I would ever be able to explain this to my parents! Or to any solicitor for that matter, let alone to Azuth or Helm! Two streets further and out of sight of the bookstore, we decided on visiting the blacksmith. To fight off rats, which we had promised to do (I know, I know, dear diary, one more brilliant move of mine today!) we would need any weapon or trap available. Locating the smithy took us through several streets, including one where we passed a shop window displaying two beautiful dresses to my amazement! This little town stored many a treasure! Jonathan was even pointing out the frocks, Chislev’s blessing upon him, like I would have missed those frocks. Still I had already pushed my luck and my companions too far today, foremost we should start working on how to defeat these rats. Or at least survive the night!
The last part of our search for the smith was made easy by the sound of the hammering of metal. When we arrived four human men were working together, two by two, each duo consisting of a tall one hammering at his anvil and a younger one handling the bellows. None of them paid any attention to us upon entering. We recognized our representative in the inn, Carrion, as one of the hammerers. Seemingly he was in a trance, like his co-workers, shaping a metal shape with his hammer at the anvil. Only when I took some metal device and used it to rattle it against a shield hanging on the wall, we were getting their attention.
The other tall man walked over, still looking annoyed as I gave him a basic, but courtly nod: “Good afternoon, my name is Karen Riverotter“ “Welcome to my armoury, I’m the owner and master smith.” It appeared that this was enough for an introduction and that his name, family or standing was clear for all. “How can I be of service?” That was better, though the man addressed Finn, ignoring me. Finn inquired for weapons and traps, especially those suited to kill rats. Jonathan also joined in, questioning the smith in such a straightforward way that it almost became a ruse of itself. And with results, as we found out that the town at night was at the mercy of dog size rats, that several other places in the vicinity had been terrorized as well (‘Mag’), that the rats were commanded by other creatures, that there were no rat traps in store or useful against these type or size of rats and that the name of this village was ‘Ki’. Which was my not too bright contribution to all of this, dear diary.
As for weapons, there was nothing available for our needs. Basically this was an armoury for those wearing armour on parade and at festivities: beautiful and shiny, more a fashion statement than practical use. Luckily the smith was willing to buy the scimitars we took from the Goblins, which I was holding like a Gearheart Hostess would show off a self-stirring teapot, greeting guests at a Nook’ ball. Which would have made my mother very proud, dear diary, but myself gritting teeth like a gear full of clockwork mites. It seemed to work though, as the human offered ten gold coins for the set. Which I took, both offer and coins, that is, though my rogue companion was not entirely happy about that.
My proposal of returning to the inn for a small rest and preparations, which the halflings translated as ‘more drinks and food’, was accepted. On our way back, we once more passed the clothing workshop. For a few seconds my eyes focused on the dresses on display, my pace slowed a bit. Enough for the owner to spot a victim and my path was blocked by a flamboyant looking human female, towering above me. “Nice to meet you, little lady! And companions..?”; sounded a melodious voice. “My name is Carola Cape-otter, solicitor at court in Magki, and these are my servants. It’s dangerous to travel alone for a solicitor these days”; my response stunned two halflings, one looking at me in disbelief, the other trying not to burst into laughter. “Aha, my name is Lilly Merriweather, owner of this couture workshop, at your service. Oh yes, I can relate to that. But that does not mean that we should hide ourselves in dark mundane clothing.”; her right index finger was testing the structure of my dress as her eyes were judging the whole of my appearance. “Inside you’ll find some fine examples of real nice dresses that would suit you fine, little lady. And we’ll have some provisions for your staff as well. Gentlemen, would you care for some bread and ale?” “And some cheese? Would that be possible?” ; one of my servants asked, rather out of place. But once more she did not flinch, instead inviting the halfling and guiding them to the far corner of the shop. There they were seated and provided for, including cheese.
“Now then, your halfling attendants are satisfied, which was rather easy. Let’s see if your taste can be fulfilled as well” ; with that she guided me to the other side of the place. A good hour later I was wearing a tailored jacket, a matching chemisette, long riding pants combined with an apron skirt and sturdy low-heeled boots. Quite the fashionable adventurer as I admired myself in the mirror, dear diary! And there was the red dress that was too exquisite, and made me look so good, that I caught both halflings peeking in, as I checked the mirror. My office dress was lying sadly next to it on the counter. As were some minor accessories. “I’ll wear this, could you pack the old dress together with the new one please?” “Certainly, little lady. You do understand that a deposit is required for this kind of amount.” “Of course, of course.” ; I bluffed once more, as my ratio returned after this sedation by beauty and vanity. Not to mention that there was a rogue standing next to me, all of sudden very alert. “Would twenty gold coins suffice?” Finn’s eyes almost popped out of his skull hearing my proposal. “Oh yes, very gracious. Can I send the invoice to the office in Magki? In that case I need your signet.” With a ladylike gesture I handed over the stolen seal. “Aah, you work for the big office! In that case a deposit is not needed. Excuse me, lady, I did not know.” “And I did not mention, thank you lady.” ; I said and placed the signet into my new inside pocket. “Take these.” ; I instructed Jonathan, pointing at the packaged dresses. And as Lilly escorted us to the door in the most polite way, I saw Finn seizing the remains of the cheeses.
Both halflings and I were in a very good mood when we returned to the inn. We dropped our belongings in our room, had a small rest, then went back to the main room. Halfling can’t live on just ale and cheese, dear diary. Our host Axyss greeted us, inviting us for supper, which was very appropriately ratatouille. While we were eating, the inn slowly emptied. Guests left to be home in safety, before the rats would arrive. Even the pompous dwarf merchants did not stay, so in my mind images of hordes of giant vermin arose, supplemented with the familiar whispers of my Idol. When our hostess came to pick up the empty plates and cups, we tried to find out more about this plague. To me, her incoherent stories were gossip spiced with fairytales, at least I hoped that this would be the case. Otherwise my hubris would once more bring peril to my halfling companions and friends.
Before we got out, Finn was smart enough to agree upon a sign for Axyss to let us in again. Otherwise we would not have a way to enter early, for all doors would be locked for the night until daylight would arise again. With that in mind, we walked out and heard the door being shut behind us. The streets that were crowded during the day were empty and dark now. Experienced adventures and streetfighters that we were (Dare to say otherwise, diary!), we decided to set up an ambush. Or if I’m honest, Finn suggested doing so. So in the middle of the city square Jonathan placed a bolt, then blessed it effortlessly, turning it into a bulb of light. Adding insult, that is to this stumbling wizard, he then blessed the three of us, boosting our resilience on behalf of Chislev. We then split up, hiding around the light source, with our back in the direction of the inn, looking into the streets leading outwards.
It remained quiet for a long time. Luckily I had my new jacket to inspect, with all kinds of neat pockets, buttons, patterns of fibres, almost made me forget my fears and imagined monsters skulking by. Then there was the sound drawing near from the street heading north. Becoming louder and faster, faster, until giant rats whip-driven by a Gnoll rounded the corner, confused by the light. It definitely was a Gnoll, even if he was wearing much less clothing than the one that had lived at the outskirts of Nook for a short while. The one in Nook sold rat skin (amongst other strange stuff), this one was whipping rats, steering them straight towards us. Who was ambushing who, dear diary?
With all my might I tried to blow on my fingers, to produce a whistle strong enough to alert the cubs. They would come to my aid, rescuing us and combining this with a meal of rats and gnoll. In a lot of ways they behave like halflings when I think about it. There was no time for thinking, the Gnoll had spotted me! Instinctively I shrink trying to take shelter behind the rubble. The stinging noise of his whip missing me barely made me shiver!
Meanwhile Jonathan and Finn were attacked by the rats that accompanied my assailant. So I was alone in dealing with this creature. Nothing better came to my mind than calling in the Owl Bear cubs. And however I folded my fingers or how hard I exhaled, no proper whistle was to be heard! The monster was now just a few steps away, I had wasted the time it needed to reach me and change whip for knife by wetting my hands with spit. So much for being a true wizard, dear diary.
Again a stinging sound over my head! A knife buzzing by, too close for comfort, then finding its way into the shoulder of the Gnoll! Once more my pretty face was saved by Finn. The Gnoll now shifted its attention, trying to find the cause of its pain (knife) and the cause of the cause (Finn). It then tried to attack the rogue, but a second knife made short work of its career as rat leader. For a moment I thought my problems were over, but now a group of huge rats made their way towards us. Instead of the so needed whistle, I produced a loud shriek, as one of the vermin bit my right upper leg, just above the leather boot. A sharp pain catapulted its way into my mind! As |I was in the act of slapping the rodent off me, my mind was overrun a second time; Finn hooked up with me again and a stream of magic energies flowed out of me towards him. Plummeting down, dazzled and bollixed, I sat on the ground and watched the rat shattering in a cloud of blood and gore! Using rogue magic (and my energy) Finn slaughtered all remaining rats in one sweep!
Then it was quiet again. Not entirely, as the cubs finally appeared, just in time to feast on the dead rats. The two halflings were walking around, inspecting the square and the remains of our opponents, Finn collecting the tails of the rats. After inspecting the bite on my leg and the damage to my new trousers (hardly visible!), I stood up to join them. Luckily both men were still too much in fighting spirits to notice their of-no-use companion. Together we made the rounds through the village, looking for more rats or worse. After several hours of finding none of the kind, we headed back to the central square. During our watch the cubs had cleared it of all dead rats, but the Gnoll was not to their taste, the corpse still lying there.
With the first sunlight peaking, we decided to head back to the inn. But now Finn got an inkling: proof of our heraldic deeds was to be provided by presenting the dead Gnoll! Of course Jonathan fully supported this idea. And as I sent the cubs away to the woods, the both of them started pulling and pushing the corpse. What resulted in a literally bigger bloodbath than all of the actions before. By the time the remains of the creature were in the Inn’s stable, both men looked very similar to the cubs: bloody, smelly bird brains. I know, I know, dear diary, I sound like the spoiled brat Finn takes me for or the deceitful showpiece Jonathan thinks I am.
It was a small wonder that Axyss let us in again. Two horrifying looking halflings, one of them banging at the door, one of them demanding entrance in a hard voice at your door in the early morning. Probably our hostess had certain sympathies for the rogue or priest, otherwise they wouldn't have been allowed in looking like that. To their, and mine, surprise, they were forcibly led by Axyss through a backdoor into a quadrangle. To my even greater surprise our hostess directed them to strip and put the hose on them! By all means, dear diary, I looked away, turning around and red.The halfling men had no such considerations. After the mess was rinsed off their bodies, they rushed back in, running past me through the passage. Giving me a chance to inspect the backsides of both halfling men. Well, dear diary, I must confess that both of them have their own qualities in that department. And that’s all I will entrust you with, dear diary.
To our hostess this all seemed normal, she was picking up the clothes of the halflings and dropping them into a large tub, then filling this up with boiling water. At my home a gnomish device would have been put in place to scrub the clothes, followed by a mechanical wringer to remove excess water. Here none of this kind of machinery was to be seen, and after Axyss clapped her hands several times, two laundresses, two young girls who I had seen serving in the inn before, came running in. Having lost interest and given my companions hopefully enough time to cover themselves with blankets, I made my way to our room.
Later that morning a subtle knock on our door made me wake up. “Shall I take a look?”; Finn offered; “Might be bad folk.” “No, no, no, I’ll get it!” ; I shot back, as I realized the state of dress my roommates had. Getting up fast, then opening the door slowly and cautiously. Looking through the crack, Axyss and I eyed each other: “Goodmorning lady, I take it you slept well? These are the clothes of the gentlemen, washed and dried. And allow me to invite you for breakfast downstairs.” She then bowed and left. “All right halflings!” ; I then announced to the two men: “I’ll put your clothes inside and wait in the hall for you to dress. Can you do that? Breakfast shall be your reward!”. Standing by the door, I could hear the halflings dressing faster than a mimic in a treasure chest.
Upon entering the main hall we found it filled with locals from the village, cheering and applauding us! Axyss welcomed us as the saviours of the village, leading us to a set table that was lavish even by halfling standards. Not entirely up to standards of a table at home, not to mention the table piece made of the rat tails and Gnoll head, but still. Before we were allowed to sit, our hostess awarded us a large golden coin, embellished with the letter ‘K’. This as a token to us being made honorary citizens of Ki, and having no real value. Once more a big applause followed. Upon making our way through the clouds, Jonathan and Finn were patted at the back and even hugged. Luckily I managed to find my seat with less tokens of affection.
And so dear diary, is how we became the local heroes. And the local frauds as well, or better, fraud, this solicitor’s daughter is the perpetrator and instigator. And why did not I trust my new found skills in the fight? Somehow I’ll need to figure out why I did all that and how to make it right again. Perhaps I’ll learn a spell that will undo deceit, or move back in time. But I would not know where to stop, I would not want to lose all the experiences and places of the last days. Let alone give up my friends! For now I’ve got no answer, admitting that would have certainly surprised my father. So, hopefully things will somehow work out fine. Talk to you soon!
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