## page was renamed from Cauldron2
= Cauldron, Part 2 =
10/10/07
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- The acolyte says, "We have cots available if you wish to spend the evening here.

Jiona also looks hopeful at the suggestion of having a dry place to sleep out of the rain... but isn't so keen on having to sleep in her cloak.  She glances meaningfully at Tillandor again, leaving the decision in his hands.

- The acolyte nods, "Whenever you are ready, just let me or another acolyte know and we'll take you there.

Ethkin says, "I would like to be shown to my cot now, please."

Calico would normally be on the prowl at this time of night, but considering the rain is fine with a cat nap.

Tillandor asides to Jiona, "I guess we could stay at the dorms, but there are more strangers there.  And if we're planning on sticking with these guys in the morning, staying here seems wise."

- Jenya shoos the acolyte away, "Well, if there is anything else you need, let me know.

Calico wraps herself in a blanket and settles in front of the fire to dry.

Ethkin follows Calico's example.

- Jenya says, "I'm sorry the note is so cryptic, I asked St. Cuthbert 'Where are the children who were abducted from the Lantern Street Orphanage?'

Jiona mulls that over, then nods to Tillandor, knowing she'll eventually have to reveal herself, but at least not until they're outside the city if at all possible.

Tillandor asks, "We will stay here for the night also.  Where may we bed down?"

- Jenya nods and turns to the acolyte in the doorway, "Lead them to the common room." She turns back to the group, "Just send for me if you need anything in the morning."

Jiona gives Jenya a thoughtful nod, commenting, "It is a clue, if a puzzling one.  Anything to go on will be useful."

Calico hopes there's a fire in the common room.

Tillandor gestures for Jiona to follow him to the common room.

- The acolyte smiles and offers to lead the way.

Ethkin follows...

Calico says, "probably should examine the bodies in the morning, presuming no one cleans up before then."

Jiona gathers her slowly-drying cloak around herself and tails after Tillandor.

Calico considers for a moment before following.

DM waits to see if Calico goes.

Calico follows the rest of the group.

- You follow the acolyte down the hall a bit and into a large room filled with cots, "We must be prepared to shelter any and all who might need sanctuary here.  You may sleep wherever you like, except the occupied cots, of course." He chuckles.

- The acolyte gestures, "There are clean blankets and pillows underneath each cot.  I hope they will suffice."
Tillandor picks out the most secluded cot and offers it to Jiona, before sitting on the cot next to it.

Calico looks for a fireplace.

- There are some cots in the corner where it is not so well illuminated by the massive hearth adorning the far wall.
Ethkin presumes that he is 'see'ing an incomplete grid of dormant life-forces, and attempts to vavigate to a blank spot on the grid.

- A crackling fire burns in the hearth.

- Ethkin kicks a cot or two as he finds an empty one.

Calico picks a cot near the hearth, and settles in.

Tillandor tugs off his damp boots, and wrings out his socks and cloak as best he can.

Ethkin says, "Sorry...  OOP! Sorry.... Ah."

Calico, wrapped in a blanket, hangs her robes near the fire to dry.

- The room is nice and warm, without any windows.  Large wooden beams support a ceiling 12 feet up.

Jiona gives her friend a grateful smile, then settles down on the offered cot, pulling out the aforementioned blankets and one of the pillows from underneath it.  Using the blanket as some additional cover, she finally extricates herself from her cloak, placing it on the floor to fully dry overnight.  She also tries to not draw any attention to herself while doing so.

- One of the sleepers in the room snorts a bit and rolls over.

- After doublechecking his pouches and pockets for dryness, Tillandor settles into his blankets and rolls over.

- The sound of dozing sleepers and the occasional acolyte padding by the room is soothing, as is the crackling fire.

Ethkin, never having any notions of modesty, removes his pants and hangs them on the edge of his cot to dry. He then fumbles for the blanket...

Calico settles down, looking rather like an oversized housecat under a blanket.

Jiona soon dozes off under the dry blankets, not even bothering to remove her other clothes.  Just being out from under that cloak is relaxing enough.

- The night is uneventful and those who are able to sleep quite restfully.

DM says, "Need some Con checks."

DM says, "Everyone roll d20 plus Con bonus."

* Tillandor rolls 1f20+3: 5,3 = 8.

* Jiona rolls 1d20+4: 5,4 = 9.

Tillandor snores loudly.

* Ethkin rolls 1f20: 3.

DM adds Con to Ethkin's roll for a 5.

* Calico rolls 1d20+2: 6,2 = 8.

DM says, "You all sleep quite soundly, barring any worries that might keep you up."

DM says, "You are, however, all awakened the next morning by a tolling bell."

- The fire has died down considerably.  There are a few new sleepers, and some have already left.

Tillandor sits up sleepily, and looks for signs of the time of day.

Calico makes a cat like sounds of displeasure at being waken by the bell.

- Many of the sleepers seem to sleep right through the bell, but you hear shuffling as a few get up.

Tillandor chuckles to himself, and realizes the bell probably covers that.

Ethkin unfolds his legs  from to Lotus Position he slept in all night, sitting dead center on his cot facing (which ever direction Kord finds most Holy).

- The room is not very well lit, as the fire has gone out, but judging from the light coming in through the doorway, it is probably a little before dawn.

- Kord is a fan of the direction: up.

Jiona also awakens with a wide yawn, stretching out her arms before realizing exactly where she is.  Rather quickly, she gets up and puts her considerably-dryer cloak back on, using as much of the blanket as she can to still conceal herself while doing so.

Calico listens for signs of the weather, and sniffs for signs of breakfast.

Tillandor checks the dampness of his cloak, and shrugs back into it.

- Calico smells what is probably some sort of boiled grain, wafting from somewhere nearby.

Ethkin has no notion of 'the light of day', beyond the warmth of sunlight. He does however have other methods of knowing that it's morning, "Would someone kindly show me to the privy?"

DM says, "The dryness of your clothing is directly proportional to how close you left them to the fire."

Calico prefers fresh meat, but could eat a grain mash if that's what's available.  She puts on her now dry robes and wanders todards the door.

- One of the other wakers points to a small door you didn't notice last night, "In there.", blithely unaware that Ethkin is blind.

Jiona's cloak is still too damp for her comfort, but at least it's somewhat dryer than it was.  In any event, she still puts it on.  She also perks her ears to Ethkin's request, and spots the door they point to

- The waking man finishes pulling on his shirt and heads out, apparently with a purpose.

Ethkin sniffs, "Ah, Cuthbert Porridge, good stuff. Much better than the morning gruel at the Kord Temple I trained at."

- In the distance you can hear a low chanting.

Tillandor says, "I don't believe I've had the pleasure of 'Cuthbert Porridge.'"

Calico remembers to grab her pack before leaving the room in search of breakfast, whatever Cuthbert Porrage is.

Ethkin says, "Now there was this one inn I stayed at once that was run by a retired Paladin of Fharlanghn... WHAT a spread they put out..."

- Another waker takes a sidelong glance at Tillandor as he gets up and stretches, then stares at Jiona for a moment.

- He shakes his head and walks out as he puts on his shirt.

Tillandor asks, "Fharlanghn Fries?"

Calico is pleasantly supprised to not be the main target of stares for once.

Jiona, unaware that she's being stared at, takes the opportunity to avail herself of the facilities while there's a break in the line of sleepers making use of them, and returns again after a few minutes.

Ethkin clears his throat, "*Ahem*, would someone please help me to the privy?"

Tillandor stomps to settle his still-damp boots, and tries to scratch between his shoulders as he gathers his pack.

Calico marches to the Privey, "Are you blind? it's over here."

DM to Jiona: "The door opens into a closet with a wooden bench that had a hole over a stone well of sorts."

Tillandor says, "Call him an old man.  That will get his attention."

Ethkin exclaims, "HEY!"

Tillandor snickers.  "See?"

- The room has cleared of other awakened occupants.  Three sleepers remain.

DM to Jiona: "It is cold and rather... stinky in here."

Tillandor finds The Note in his pocket, and peruses it again.

Ethkin follows Calico's 'light' to the privy door-area, and fumbles at the wall searching...

Jiona to DM: Jiona gives the arrangement a rather distasteful look, and does her best to hold her nose and breathe through her mouth, making her stay here as short as possible.

Calico opens the door...

Ethkin hears the door latch and squeeking hinges, "Ah, thenk you."

DM says, "Umm... Jiona hasn't exited yet, I should mention."

DM says, "In case her previous pose is what you are going off of."

Ethkin waits patiently for whomever is in there to finish.

DM says, "So either:  Calico opens the door on Jiona.  Or Jiona finishes and presumably exits."

Ethkin...

DM says, "Which I expect will depend on how much Calico was paying attention."

Jiona oocly can respond to either, but needs to have one picked.

Calico says, "Calico was paying attention."

DM says, "meaning Calico doesn't open the door on Jiona."

DM says, "continue."

Tillandor oocly suggests, "Perhaps Jiona opening the door is what Ethkin heard."

Ethkin enters the privy, and ...

Jiona has since emerged, then, and heads back over to Tillandor, shaking her head.  In a soft murmur, she says to him in a somewhat strained voice, "Gods, how can you stand that smell?  It *reeks* in there."

Tillandor says, "Well, I don't plan to spend much time in there."

Ethkin calls from the privy, "I've delt with worse."

Calico near falls over from the smell coming from the privey.

Tillandor says, "In fact, none yet.  I'm probably fine until after I've eaten."

Calico waiths for Ethkin to exit, figuring the smell won't get better later, and may be harder to handle on a full stomache.

Ethkin finishes, exits, and lears in the direction of the remaining 'lights' in the room, "It's aaall yours."

Jiona gives Ethkin a surprised look, eyes narrowing a bit, as he seems to have heard her even with her voice lowered.  Something to bear in mind, clearly.  Turning to Tillandor again, she giggles lightly.  "I can understand why.  Give me the outdoors any day.  Now that you mention food, though, I could eat."

Calico quickly uses the privey, then leavs the door open as she exits towards what she hopes in the dining room.

Ethkin is only wearing a blanket, over his shoulders, and suddenly realizes with a silent 'Ah crap', he left his pants, back pack, and walking stick back at his cot, which he now cannot see.

- As Calico enters the hall, she can easily scent which direction the food is in.  A few clerics standing by a nearby pillar look over in surprise at Calico's sudden appearance.


Ethkin rolls INT

* Ethkin rolls 1f20+2: 10,2 = 12.

Tillandor also seeks nourishment.

- Calico has left the room purposefully.

Calico looks for where food is being served.

Ethkin heads in the general direction of 'his' cot...

Tillandor steps outside common room, looking for a paritioner to ask directions of.

Jiona follows Tillandor for breakfast, aware that wearing her full cloak with the hood up will draw more attention while indoors, but it can't really be helped.  The smell of food will help clear her nose, too.

- Ethkin stumbles on another cot or two, but then gets the hang of the arrangement of cots.

Ethkin bangs his shin on a cot, "Ah fewmets."

- A few clerics stand in a group talking in low voices.  One looks over to Tillandor, "Yes?  Can I help you?

- Ethkin finds his stuff.

Tillandor asks, "A good morning to you, sir.  I was wondering if you might direct us to the mess hall?"

Jiona studiously avoided looking directly at the rather confused Ethkin, not even wanting to get involved with that.

- The cleric nods, "Yes.  Off at the end of this hall.  May St. Cuthbert guide you."

Tillandor says, "And you," and proceeds in the suggested direction.

Calico nods and quietly heads towards the dining hall.

Ethkin puts on his pants, and his backpack, and drapes the blanket over himself like a cloak. He picks up his stick and 
finds his way to the door the others have left by.

Ethkin wonders where that Paladin type felow and the gnome with the dog have got to...

Jiona continues following Tillandor, although she knows she could almost certainly find her way to the serving hall by following her nose, now that the unpleasant stench has been left behind.

Calico presumes it's self serve, and heads towards the bowls and pot.

- You enter a largish room.  There are several tables and at one end is stove with a large pot on it, and a table next to it with a pile of bowls.

- The gnome with the dog and the man with the large sword do not appear to be around.

Tillandor fills two bowls and passes one to Jiona.  "Not your standard fare I suppose, but hopefully passable."

Ethkin presumes they got up early to go investigate last night's happenings.

- Calico discovers that the pot is most certainly the source of the odor she has been following.

Calico fills a bowl, and slowly walks, practically sneaking, towards an empty seat.

- The porridge smells... good for you.

Jiona shows a smile.  "Perhaps not, but I'm decently adaptable."  She gives the bowl an inquisitive sniff, followed by a sample.

- It also tastes good for you.  But it is not particularly flavorful, rather decidedly unflavorful.  But it is filling.

- And nice and warm.

Tillandor settles onto a bench to eat, with a look of inner reflection.

Ethkin hopefully has found his way out of the dorm, down the corridor, and into the mess hall?

Calico pauses, hearing rattling outside the dining hall.

Tillandor asks, "Jiona, do you recall whether Jenya mentioned who wrote the note?"

Jiona clearly decides that it's quite passable, and doesn't hestitate further.  She also glances around a bit to see if she's getting any odd looks from anyone else regarding her cloaked apperance.  Perking her ears, she wanders over to Tillandor with her bowl, also sitting down next to him.  "Hmm," she muses, thinking back.

Ethkin finds the door from the dorm, senses the accolites in the hallway, "Could someone kindly help me to the dinning hall, please?"

DM asks, "What rattling?"

Calico says, "The blind man."

Ethkin thinks it was me.

Tillandor says, "The note is definitely a riddle.  And riddles are meant to be solved, by those who are clever or those who know the key."

Jiona finally answers, "I believe she said she did.  Something about being guided to write them, although that wasn't the word she used."

Calico asks, "Mind if I have another look at the note?"

- A large burly male human gets up and refills his bowl.

Tillandor passes the note to Calico.

- You hear several people shuffling down the hall.

Calico says, "The obvious cauldren is this valley."

Tillandor says, "And below the cauldron probably means under the water."

Ethkin gets assisted to the dinnig hall...

Calico shudders at the thought of having to swim.

Tillandor says, "Where precious life is bought with gold sounds like slave trade, though I suppose it could mean any place healing potions are sold."

- A cleric walks Ethkin over to the stove and serves him a bowl of porridge.

Calico says, "slave trade sounds likely."

Jiona also finds travelling underwater an unhappy prospect, although not to the same degree Calico does.  She looks at the cat for a little bit, though, then observes, "If we're all going to be travelling together, we should probably introduce ourselves.  I don't believe I've caught your name, yet."  She holds out a black-furred hand.  "I'm Jiona."

Tillandor says, "Considering the missing people, it seems quite likely."

Ethkin tastes the porridge, and suggests they get the recipe the Cuthbert temple in the city of _____ has been using.

Calico says, "Calico."

Ethkin eats, greatfull to have a hot meal none the less.

Tillandor says, "Ah yes, of course.  I'm not sure I mentioned, but my name is Tillandor.  I do apologize for not making introductions."

Ethkin eats, listening...

Calico says, "Might help if I could place what malachite was."

Jiona looks a bit put out when Calico doesn't return the gesture, and she drops her hand, just nodding to the cat.

Calico says, "oh", puts out a hand to shake.

Ethkin is now Active. (ACT)

* Rayne rolls 1f20+6: 10,6 = 16.

Jiona giggles lightly, and this time actually gives Calico the greeting shake she intended in the first place, then glances at the note again, musing over it some more.  "Doors with teeth, half a dwarf... I hope those aren't literal."

Calico says, "I expect little in this note is literal."

Ethkin nods to himself, agreeing with the disturbing notion of a door with teeth, let alone doors plural.

Tillandor says, "Malachite is a brilliant green mineral, usually found near copper veins, along with calcite and azurite."

Calico asks, "cave with stalagtites?"

Tillandor says, "Commonly, it is used to make jewelry or artists' paint."

Calico asks, "any such mines near here?"

Jiona gives Tillandor a surprised look, and playfully elbows him.  "I see you really did pick up some knowledge in that school of yours," she teases.  "Perhaps it means a cave or something that has that mineral in its walls?"

Tillandor says, "Perhaps."

Tillandor says, "I don't know of any malachite mines nearby.  There might be some in Redgorge... but that's probably too far to be relevant."

Ethkin had initially sat at the end of the bench near the porridge pot. Now he starts to scoot closer to the people he met last night...

- Ruphus comes in and walks up to the group, "Ah... good morning."

Ethkin says, "Perhaps, but when evil folk are truely organized, distance 'tween cities rarely matters to them."

Calico turns and nods.

- Ruphus says, "Thank you all for rescuing me last night... I was in a dire situation."

Tillandor looks up as Ethkin scoots closer.  "Ah, I don't believe we have been introduced.  These are Jiona and Calico, and I am Tillandor."

- Ruphus gets a look at Calico and fails to hide his doubletake.

Calico extends a paw to Ethkin.

Ethkin nods to Till properly, but nods to the wrong 'lights' when introduced to the 'girls'.

Jiona finishes off her bowl, still contemplating the note.  "It might not have to be a mine of it... just a place that has some.  Still, it's only speculation."  She looks up, and smiles to Ruphus.  "Ah, good morning.  You're very welcome."  Her own features are still fairly hidden by her cloak, although her face is difficult to hide if someone looks hard enough.

Ethkin could not see any hand gestures Tillandor made.

- Ruphus kinda squints at Jiona for a second, then shakes his head.

Calico asks, "Brother Ruphus, who would know the local minerals?"

- Ruphus thinks, "Well, let me see."

Ethkin says, "Ruphus, not to interupt, sorry Calico, but I was wondering if someone could show me to the local Kord temple. I was supposed report there, but your plight distracted me."

- Ruphus says, "Well, I don't know about minerals, but you might speak to Tygot.  I hear he's a retired adventurer from way back."

Tillandor says, "I've heard of him."

Tillandor says, "He runs an antiquity shop down the street."

- Ruphus says, "Well that might be... what is that?"

Tillandor says, "We actually passed it on our way here last night."

- Ruphus peers down at the note, "That looks like Jenya's handwriting, if I am not mistaken."

Ethkin says, "She prayed to Cuth last night, and got that."

Tillandor frowns at Ethkin.  "On awefully familiar terms with a deity, aren't we?"

Ethkin asks, "Is He always that criptic?"

Ethkin shrugs...

- Ruphus eyes Ethkin, "Well, he tries to fit a lot of info into short bits, really."

Calico says, "I've yet to meet a deity who wasn't cryptic."

Ethkin chuckles...

- Ruphus says, "Very economical."

Jiona can't help but laugh a little.  "I've yet to meet a deity at all.  Which, personally, is an experience I can do without."

Calico says, "speaking figuratively of 'meeting'."

- Ruphus says, "I'm not generally very good at interpreting these things.  Jenya is better at it."

Ethkin wonders briefly to himself what a deity would 'look' like...

Calico says, "we should find if there are any local malachite deposits, and take a look.  we should also check the site of last nights battle."

- Ruphus considers, "Shall I fetch her?  She should be done with her morning duties soon."

Tillandor says, "Well, we can stop by Tygot's place on the way to the scene."

Rayne walks into the room, greets everyone with a curt nod and settles in, putting his gear off to the side.

Tillandor makes introductions around.

Jiona looks up, recognizing Rayne from earlier, and nods to him as Tillandor makes introductions once again.

Rayne smiles slightly and introduces himself as Rayne Delthor.

- Ruphus turns to Rayne, "Ah, Delthor.  It is good to see you again.  I wish you extend to you my gratitude that I still have my skin."

Calico slightly intimidated by the one man army, nods at Rayne.

Rayne shakes his head slightly and says, "It is nothing. Don't worry about it."

Rayne says, "I am just glad you are alright."

- Ruphus says, "The way that you so handily sliced that ruffian... well.  St. Cuthbert may not be a fan of violence, but I appreciate it when it saves me from a most ignominous fate."

Ethkin offers his hand to Rayne, "I am Ethkin."

Rayne chuckles and says, "Well as a devoted follower of Kord, I recognize the importance of protecting those who are in need."

Ethkin brightens, "Kord?"

Rayne says, "Even those who follow other paths." and then looks at Ethkin.

Tillandor raises his eyebrow at the second Kord follower among them.

Rayne says, "Aye, Kord is the one who grants me strength to stand against evil."

Jiona sits up suddenly, and turns to Ruphus.  "By the way, I wish to apologize for the way I responded when you helped my friend Tillandor.  I was upset... understandably, I hope.  Your assistance was certainly welcome."

Ethkin says, "Myself as well... Well, the knowledge anyhow."

Tillandor smiles.  "Most welcome.  And when it comes to offering thanks for the saving of skin, I must give mine to you."

Rayne extends his hand to meet Ethkin and says, "A pleasure to make your acquantaince."

- Ruphus looks somewhat taken aback, "Ah.  Well yes, as you say, it was understandable.  A favor paid in kind, you know."

Ethkin says, "Rayne, have you been to the temple yet? I was supposed to go _there_ last night, but... Well you _know_ what happened."

- Ruphus says, "Well, if there any details any of you might want, I can help with that.  Or at least get Jenya to aid."

Rayne nods and says, "Of course, although not in the last few days. This temple was were I spent some of my time training."

Rayne looks at everyone in the room and says, "By the way - the guard believe the Last Laugh, which is a very powerful Thieve's Guild, has something to do with the disappearances."

- Ruphus says, "I still don't know why those ruffians attacked me.  What was it they were saying?  Hard to hear when you're getting kicked in the ears."

Calico says, "I'd also like a looks at any maps of the area, and where the disappearances happened."

Tillandor says, "They were warning you to stay away from the orphanage."

Ethkin says, "They were telling you to stay away from the orphanage. That's all _I_ heard."

Rayne asks, "Ruphus, what exactly do you do at the orphanage?"

- Ruphus says, "Ah, right.  Well anyway... good luck.  I have duties I must attend to.  Thanks again for your help."

Calico says, "perhaps a couple people they don't know could snoop around."

Tillandor says, "I believe Ruphus was sent there to investigate the disappearances."

- Ruphus says, "Hm?  Oh... I interviewed some of the workers there... well I gave all the details to Jenya too."

Rayne shifts 100% of his focus on Ruphus and says, "Really? You interviewed some workers and now you get threatened. Hmmmmm. Do you remember which workers you interviewed?"

- Ruphus says, "Yes, exactly.  Jenya sent me to investigate.  I'm afraid I didn't learn much."

Jiona listens thoughtfully to all of this.  "Someone is stealing children," she says aloud, "and this... Last Laugh guild wants Ruphus to avoid the orphanage.  That can't be a coincidence."

Ethkin asides to Rayne, "When we've a few moments, would you kindly show me to the Temple? I would like to finish my business there before doing much else."

Rayne nods at Ethkin and looks intently at Ruphus.

Calico says, "Ethkin and Rayne can meet us at the site of last nights battle."

- Ruphus says, "Well... there was the headmistress, Gretchyn I think.  The gardener Jaromir.  The nurse, the cook... I think the janitor and schoolteacher were away, it was in the evening.

Ethkin stares blankly, but his ears are as perked as a human's can be...

- Ruphus says, "I also spoke to a few of the children, but it was getting late."

Jiona offers, "That they were warning you to stay away suggests that there's something to be found there.  I think it warrants further investigation."

Ethkin nods.

Rayne says, "I think going to the orphanage and observing might be a good start. If the Thieves Guild has people there, I would like to 'attract attention' and maybe take one hostage for questioning."

Tillandor says, "Yes, Gretchyn is the headmistress.  And has been for quite some time."

Tillandor says, "She must be getting on in years now."

Rayne asks, "Ruphus did they children you talk to know the children who went missing?"

Calico says, "perhaps we plant a spy in the orphanage, someone who could pass for a child."

Ethkin casually glances in Calico's direction...

Rayne shakes his head and says, "That might be difficult - and I would rather not endanger another child if possible."

Jiona nods firmly to Rayne.  "I would agree.  That being the case, we should probably not linger here for very long.  Calico, you can look over the place we fought while some of us are at the orphanage... hm?  ...Huh.  That's an intriguing idea, although I'm not sure how we'd pull that off."

- Ruphus says, "Hm, well they all know one another really.  They spend a lot of time together."

Calico stands 3'3" tall."

Tillandor says, "You are certainly small enough."

Ethkin asks, "The only issue is, would they accept a newbie?"

Tillandor says, "Perhaps it would work, if we had an idea which children would be taken, and when."

Rayne asks, "The only thing I wonder is if our 'spy' gets kidnapped - how are we to track him?"

- Ruphus ponders, "Well watching the orphanage may not be the best idea... I mean... the disappearances have been happening all over Cauldron."

Tillandor says, "Maybe switch places with the intended victim."

Calico says, "I'm often up at night, so keeping watch isn't a problem."

- Ruphus says, "It's not like they are going to necessarily strike there soon."

Rayne shrugs and says, "I personally am considering attracting some attention and trying to get some of those thugs to come after me."

Tillandor sidles away from Rayne.

Calico says, "I'm not expecting the orphanage to be hit again, but getting a good look may take time."

Rayne says, "If I can knock one unconscious, then I can question him."

Jiona nods again to Ruphus.  "I believe it's worth checking because they asked you to stay away, although that doesn't mean we should focus all of our efforts there."

Ethkin says, "They may already be plotting to do so Rayne, for revenge on what you pulled off last night."

Tillandor says, "I think it's as good a place to start as any."

Rayne ponders that for a moment.

Rayne says, "Hmmm well I suppose if they do - they aren't going to take me lightly."

Rayne sighs.

Tillandor says, "We can stop at Tygot's, then move on to either the orphanage or the scene of the fight."

Rayne looks around with a slightly puzzled expression and says, "Tygot's?"

Calico says, "sounds good.  we should check all 3."

Tillandor says, "Ruphus suggested we talk to Tygot about where malachite might be found around here."

Jiona stands up, setting her empty bowl near wherever the majority of empty used ones are, and nods.  "Shall we be off, then?"

Tillandor says, "He's a retired adventurer who owns an antiquity shop around the corner."

- Ruphus nods, "Well, good luck to you all.  I really do need to be attending to my duties.  Come back if you need more help."

Rayne looks thoughtful for a moment and then says slowly, "Interesting. I had been trying to think of dwarven settlements in the area, but really there are more gnomes than dwarves."

Tillandor follows Jiona, disposing of his bowl in likewise fashion.

- Ruphus walks off.

Calico nods goodby, and heads towards the door.

Ethkin calles after Ruphus, "May I keep this blanket?"

Rayne gets up and says, "Well let me know how Tygot goes. Does anyone wish to accompany me to the orphanage?"

- Ruphus stops in the doorway and smiles, "That's probably fine.  I'll let them know."

Jiona also takes a moment to thank Ruphus for his help, and courtesy in allowing them to stay the night there, before starting to head outside.

Calico wants to check the scene of the fight before it's more disturbed.

Ethkin says, "I'll go with you Rayne."

Rayne smiles and says, "Sure, and we can stop by the temple on the way back."

Jiona pauses, looking over at Rayne.  "Tillandor and I are going to stop at Tygot's first.  If you want to head straight to the orphanage, we'll meet you there."

- The players decide to all meet at Tygot's as a group.

- Tygot's is a two-story structure made with the black stone typical of buildings in Cauldron.  Outside is a small sign in the front window saying 'Tygot's Old Things.'

Ethkin asks the DM, "How's the weather this morning?"

- There are figures and plates and other antiquities in the window with the sign.  The front door is heavy maple and rather plain except for the large brass handle in the center.

- The weather is clear and bright, though clouds loom off in the eastern sky, obscuring the morning sun.

Calico turns the handle and pushes on the door.

- The cobblestone streets are still wet from the drenching rain last night, but puddles are hardly seen as the city's streets seem to drain quite well due to their slanting nature.

Ethkin sees... nothing eccept the motes of light that are poeple in his dark world.

Rayne mutters, "Pink at night, sailors delight. Pink in the morning sailors take warning."

- The door creaks open and you can see a somewhat well-lit entryway.

Ethkin nods, "What's pink?"

Rayne looks at Ethkin as if for the first time noticing that he is blind.

- The cool breeze nips at you as you stand on the doorstep.

Rayne says, "Its the color the sun makes when it rises or sets, particularly if there are some clouds in the sky."

Tillandor enters the shop, and looks around for signs of Tygot.

Ethkin says, "Oh..."

Calico walks in and quietly looks for the shop keep.

- The entryway has a carpet leading down it, statues on either side, and a coat rack by the door.  At the end of the hall is an open doorway into a cozy looking room.

Rayne enters and says loudly but calmly, "Hellooooo?"

- Still clad in her cloak, Jiona doesn't seem to notice the slightly chilly breeze at all, and stops upon arriving here, letting Tillandor take the lead in front of her, since he apparently knows this place.

Tillandor calls out, "Tygot?  You've got customers."

Ethkin asks the DM, "IS there warmth coming from the open door?"

- The main room has a fireplace and shelves everywhere.  On the shelves are various knickknacks, including carvings of the local landmarks.

Ethkin enters, following the others, sniffing the air inside, listening...

Rayne looks over the various knicknacks and carvings, making himself busy while waiting.

- In the corner of the main room, you suddenly notice a chair.  And in the chair is an older halfling, resting his feet on a massive stuffed dog.

- What appeared at first to be a stuffed dog.  Until you see its head turn towards you, and it's pupiless eyes regard you carefully.

Calico walks over to get a cler view, "Mr. Tygot I presume?"

Ethkin kneels at the dog, offering a hand to sniff.

Rayne stands by the entryway and waits silently with his arms folded.

- The halfling smiles, "I am.  I would be careful getting too close to Lepook, my dear feline.  He may seem rather docile, but he still knows a cat when he smells one."

- The massive dog (about 9 feet long) watches Calico with great interest.

Tillandor says, "Be civil, Tygot.  These are my friends.  This is Calico, and here is Jiona.  The army in the doorway is Rayne."

- Lepook (the dog) sniffs Ethkin's hand, then looks up at him and appears to grin, then licks the back of Ethkin's hand.

Tillandor says, "And over there is Ethkin and Mud."

Calico resists bareing her claws.

Ethkin smiles at Lepook, "At least you got to actually glimps the world once my friend."

Calico wonders what kind of sheltered life Ethkin has had.

Jiona has to cover her mouth to hold back the short laugh she nearly makes at Tillandor's introduction of Rayne.

- Tygot frowns, "I am sorry, I do not mean to seem at all uncivil.  I merely warn of Lepook's nature.  You see, your friend Calico *is* a cat."

Rayne grunts lightly at the remark.

Tillandor smiles, making light of his comment.  "Of course, of course.  Do you have any new trinkets to show off?"

- Tygot looks up at Rayne.  A look of recoginition passes over his face, then he shakes his head, "Rayne, you remind me of someone I once knew."

Ethkin says, "I thought so. At first I just presumed he [Calico] was a Halfling who kept many. They I heard her scream at some ruffians last night."

Rayne asks, "My father perhaps?"

- Tygot raises an eyebrow, "You are the son of Denneth Delthor?

Rayne nods and asks, "You know my father?"

Calico keeps an ear on the conversation as she browses the nick nacks.

- Tygot smiles, "Indeed.  He was once an adventurer like myself."

Ethkin turns his head in Calico's direction, "Was that you purring last night?"

Rayne raises an eyebrow and unfolds his arms, entering the room.

Calico asks, "yes that was me purring.  did you see any other cats about?"

Jiona gives the big dog a rather wary look, then allows her gaze to wander around the shop as she continues listening.

- Tygot gets up, "He was a great sorcerer so they tell me."

Rayne says, "I didn't know you adventured with him."

- Tygot says, "I can't say I did.  But I knew of his expliots."

- Tygot says, "Well now.

- Tygot turns and gestures towards the shelves covering the walls, "Welcome to Tygot's Old Things."

Tillandor looks around the shelves for anything made of malachite.

Rayne says, "Ah I see." and retreats a little farther back towards the entryway.

Calico says, "We hear you know something of the local geology."

- Tygot turns to Tillandor, "I make some of these myself, but most I buy off of adventurers who pass through.  There are few items here left from my adventuring days."

Ethkin can hear the rustling of clothes that he's learned means someone gestureing, and politely looks at the walls he cannot see...

- Tillandor comes across a small statue of malachite.  It appears to be of a golem pulling on some roots.

Tillandor picks up the statue.  "Ah, this is a nice one.  Where did you come by it?"

Jiona also browses the shelves at the gesture, poking through the random items with interest, as so much of it is unfamiliar.  She stops when Tillandor finds the golem statue, though, and listens in on what Tygot has to say about it.

- Tygot grins, "Ah, that IS one from my adventuring days.  I found that in the catacombs of... no wait.  I think that one is from the artisans of Jzadirune.

Ethkin notes the sudden change of story, before it even began...

Calico asks, "where is that?"

Ethkin seems to be suddenly concentrating on Lepook...

- Tygot says, "I'm not really sure of the exact meaning of sculpture, but it is certainly depicting the stuggle we all have against our own nature.

Tillandor raises an eyebrow sceptically.

- Still glancing at the dog from time to time, Jiona notices Ethkin's sudden interest, and watches him a bit more intently, wondering what the strange blind man has picked up on.

- Tygot says, "If you are interested in getting a matched set, might I recommend this one in pewter here."

Tillandor says, "I happen to have an interest in malachite, actually.  Do you know where I might find more of it"

Rayne shrugs and breaks in saying, "We want to know if you know of anywhere close by that has this type of mineral in it."

- Tygot says, "Well, it's not terribly uncommon in the area, I think.

Calico cringes at Rayne's lack of subtlety.

- Tygot thinks, "I would expect that the gnomes of Jzadirune probably knew of a mine, as this was not the only piece there.

Rayne says, "We are looking for some missing children. From a prophecy given to us we believe they culprits are holed up in a place that has a lot of this." and points at the malachite.

- Tygot peers at Rayne.

Tillandor says, "Really?  I didn't know it could be found closer than Redgorge."

Ethkin rols his eyes and gives Calico a meaningful nod.

- Tygot says, "Well then.  It appears you are not customers so much as adventurers."

Ethkin grins at Tygot.

- Tygot says, "Which is fine... I have some stories I can tell you."

Tillandor smiles a lopsided smile.  "Well I suppose we are, at that.  Despite my attempts at subtlty."

Rayne shrugs and says, "Every moment we lose means a moment these poor children cannot be recovered."

Tillandor says, "We probably don't have time for long tales just now.  Perhaps you could just tell us what you know of nearby sources of malachite."

Rayne says, "I understand you have a business to run sir, and I have no problem supporting you with our patronage. But these children come first."

- Tygot grimaces, "I know nothing of any missing children."

Calico says, "or perhaps a chamber of malachite."

- Tygot says, "Well, Jzadirune is not far."

Jiona is a bit surprised Rayne decided to take such a pointed tack, but... perhaps not so surprising, on second thought.  Not quite sure either of what Ethkin's nod to Calico meant either, she turns her full attention back to Tygon.

- Tygot says, "If it is what you seek, you needent leave the caldera this city is in."

Tillandor frowns.  "What is this Jzadirune?  And where?"

- Tygot grimaces, "Though I'd expect that most malachite artifacts from it would have been looted by now."

- Tygot says, "It is under the city!  Somewhere."

Calico asks, "an abandoned city?  it wouldn't perchance be downhill from this town?"

Tillandor leans forward intently.  "I'm very interested in Jzadirune.  Have you been there?"

- Tygot says, "An ancient gnomish city.  Underground.  Under Cauldron."

Rayne raises an eyebrow, he missed this in his studies.

Jiona looks quite intrigued.  "Under the city... incredible.  I'd never heard of such a thing," she murmurs.

Calico notes clues from the note falling together.

- Tygot says, "Yes, I've been there once... but I warn you, it is cursed.

Tillandor says, "Yes well.  We risk what we must."

- Tygot says, "It was abandoned because of the Vanishing."

Tillandor asks, "Where is the entrance?"

Calico notes several clues falling together with the note.

DM's attention is finally able to focus on game again.  Ethkin.

Tillandor asks the question he assumes is on everyone's mind.  "The vanishing?"

Rayne looks sharply at Tygot and asks, "Vanishing?"

Ethkin quirks an eyebrow at 'vanishing'.

Jiona sees no need to echo everyone else, but is just as interested.

- Tygot says, "Yes... some 75 years ago now."

Rayne softens his tone and asks, "Can you tell us what happened?"

- Tygot says, "The entire population of Jzadirune vanished, one by one.  Slowly it seems, not all at once."

Tillandor asks, "Were the Jzadirunites slave traders?"

- Tygot frowns, "I fear that may be what is happening here in Cauldron.  You've heard of the disappearances, I'm sure."

Ethkin asks, "Well, not the _entire_ populus. The ones who noticed I guess then were the ones who abandoned the city?"

Rayne looks startled for a moment, then frowns.

Calico says, "We've heard."

Jiona frowns also, having immediately come to that same conclusion.  "Yes... starting with the children."

- Tygot says, "Heavens no!  They were honest gnomes, making magic items... the whole city was founded with that purpose, so I understand."

- Tygot says, "What?  What children?"

Tillandor says, "Children from the orphanage have gone missing.  As well as others around town."

Rayne says, "The children I mentioned we are looking for disappeared from the orphanage."

- Tygot says, "The last person I heard disappearing in Cauldron was Jasper Drundlesput.  And he was over 70.

Tillandor asks, "When did he disappear?"

Rayne asks, "A curse you mentioned - is there some legend of this curse? Some root cause?"

Tillandor asks, "He was an instructor at the academy?"

Calico asks, "anyone we might talk to who left that town?"

Rayne looks slightly shocked and says, "I took a class with him."

- Tygot shrugs, "Nobody knows.  That's why the entrance to Jzadirune is lost... nobody wants to go there because nobody knows why they vanished.

- Tygot says, "Yeah, I think he taught astronomy or something.  Vanished what... a week or so ago?"

Rayne shrugs uncomfortably and looks a little perturbed at having to deal with a 75 year old ancient mystery that destroyed a city.

Tillandor says, "A week and a half, yeah."

Tillandor asks, "If you've been there though, you must remember how you got there; where the entrance is?"

- Tygot says, "So you knew him?  Ah... did he vanish as the Jzadirunians did?  Little by little?"

Tillandor asks, "Wait, what?"

Calico muses to noone in particular, "did the children who disappeared have a connection to the lost city?"

Tillandor says, "HE didn't vanish little by little."

Ethkin says, "The people did."

Tillandor asks, "You mean the Jsadirunians actually turned invisible??"

- Tygot says, "Yes, they slowly faded away until they were gone.

Tillandor says, "No, no.  Jasper is just missing."

Jiona volunteers, "Clearly, staying out of the 'cursed' Jzadirune is not helping the others that are now apparently vanishing in Cauldron.  So we shouldn't be in any more danger there than we likely already are here."

Rayne says, "We don't know at what speed he disappeared, just that he vanished."

Tillandor says, "As far as we know, he went out for a walk and never came back.  Or perhaps was taken."

- Tygot huhs, "Well that doesn't help.  I thought I had a good theory going.  That ruins it."

Tillandor says, "His home was a mess."

Rayne says, "Not necessarily."

- Tygot says, "You say some children vanished?

Rayne says, "Yes."

Tillandor says, "Yes, also perhaps taken."

Tillandor asks, "You're sure you can't remember where the entrance is?"

- Tygot says, "The city changes... It used to be... oh... mmmm.

- Tygot ponders.

Rayne holds up the figurine and asks, "How much?"

- Tygot smiles, "For you?  Son of Denneth?  50 gold pieces."

Tillandor blinks.

- Tygot smiles, "I'd be glad to know a relic of my adventuring days was in your possession."

Ethkin never understood peoples' obsession for 'pretty' stones...

- Tygot says, "You'll be certain to show it to him.  I'd be interested to hear his interpretation of the drama in it."

Calico understands why people like pretty stones, but not the obsession some have.

Rayne smiles slightly and says, "I think I can manage that - of course any information on the entrance would prove most useful to us. Might you be able to point us in the right direction?"

Rayne hands Tygot 50g

- Tygot says, "Well, I think it was in the area where the academy is now... of course the academy wasn't there THEN... things move around you know.  Citys are like that."

Tillandor smiles, suddenly understanding.  His negotiation skills aren't that great.

Rayne asks, "The Academy really?"

Calico says, "sounds like a good spot to check old records and maps, even if it otherwise turns out to be a dead end."

- Tygot nods, "Pretty certain.  Of course the view has changed somewhat, but I do distinctly recall looking across that lake upon leaving Jzadirune to see the church of St. Cuthbert across the lake and thinking 'I have to walk HOW far to get healed'.  Ah, those were the good old days.

Rayne chuckles

Ethkin snurks...

Calico says, "and the other sites we wanted to check are on the way, more or less."

Tillandor says, "And speaking of long walks..."

Jiona also tilts her head, surprised.  She'd actually started to suspect this hidden entrance was at or near the orphanage.  "Certainly worth checking out... yes, Tillandor.  We should continue on our way."

Rayne asks, "Do you remember any landmarks around the entrance?"

Calico asks, "Landmarks from 75 years ago, with a new building on the site?"

- Tygot says, "Well, the old Lord's keep... now the Lord Mayor's residence, was only short walk away.  Again, the streets have changed... that was before the sewer you know.

Rayne looks at the matching figurine and asks, "I wonder how much the matching figurine would cost?"
Ethkin chuckles and mumbles, "Then Cuthburt's place needs a new plumber..."

- Tygot smiles, "Well it was a pleasure meeting you all.  I certainly wish you good luck... oh?

Tillandor says, "The Cuthbert place was built before the sewer."

Ethkin says, "Ah..."

- Tygot says, "The matching figure, well.  I'd hate for them to be parted, really."

Ethkin imagines Rayne will be another fifty gold lighter soon.

- Tygot walks over to the other figure, "It is quite a striking image, is it not?"

Ethkin nods, "Yes, it is not."

- Tygot scratches his chin, "Well, being blind I suppose you can't really appreciate the arts.  It is unfortunate."

Rayne says slowly, "Indeed."

Ethkin nods, grinning.

Rayne considers the figurine slowly.

Jiona has to withhold laughter again, and finds it a bit more difficult this time.

Rayne says, "You know I think if we had a guide to the entrance, we could have a good chance of rescuing those children."

- Tygot says, "I suppose I could let it go for a mere thirty gold pieces, a pittance really.  But... it would be worth less without the second figure."

Tillandor smiles.

Rayne says, "Perhaps we could even find some trinkets to replenish your supplies." and smiles.

- Tygot looks about, "My shelves are getting a bit empty."

Tillandor says, "Nothing like a little adventure to tell you you're alive."

Ethkin nods again.

Tillandor lies, "Not that I expect much real danger, of course."

Calico continues browsing, without much interest in the items, near the door.

Jiona does too to pass the time while Rayne and Tygot have their little negotiation.  She doesn't expect to find anything that really interests her, but she looks anyway.

Rayne hands 30g to Tygot and asks, "I think a strapping young man like yourself could certainly use some fresh air, would you accompany us to the entrance?"

Tillandor coughs.

- Tygot shakes his head, "I am far too old and frail for any real adventure.  I keep old Lepook around to keep an eye on me."

Rayne holds his 30g in hand

- Tygot says, "I do need to keep an eye on the shop."

Rayne says, "Well we only really need someone to show us the entrance, we can take things from there."

- Tygot says, "Perhaps this evening after I close up shop?  I mean... I can't guarantee I'll be able to point out the exact location.  What with the city changing and all."

Tillandor says, "That sounds fine.  Maybe you can meet us outside the academy."

- Tygot looks off in the direction of the academy, as if the walls weren't even there, "It's a rather long walk."

Rayne sighs and puts the figurine back on the shelf, "Well I suppose if you don't remember exactly where it is..."

- Tygot watches the figure go back on the shelf, "Of course, I'd do my best.  For the children."

Rayne pauses for a moment.

- Tygot says, "And of course, the safety of the city.  Some 20 people have vanished, no?"

Ethkin raises both eyebrows, "IS it that many?"

- Tygot says, "It may be a small portion of the city's population of course... but still they are innocents."

- Tygot squints, "I think so... I suppose you'd have to ask the guard or someone for an accurate count."

Rayne says slowly, "I think my father would love to have the matching figurine to accompany the first. Perhaps upon our return I can make sure he gets it and I will ask him his thoughts on the meaning?" and then smiles at Tygot.

- Tygot says, "I hear the church of St. Cuthbert has vowed to track down what is going on."

Ethkin says, "So they told us last night."

- Tygot says, "I would love nothing better, Delthor."

Jiona finishes browsing, and moves back over to Tillandor, murmuring something quietly to him.

Rayne smiles at Tygot and says, "Sounds good then. Will you accompany us this evening once you have had a chance to secure your shop?"

Calico opens the door and starts walking out.

- Tygot says, "A little after sunset, I'll meet you.

- Tygot adds, "On the Magma Avenue side?

Rayne nods curtly and says, "That sounds fine to me."

Tillandor converses quietly with Jiona.

Jiona shows a slight grin as she wraps up her short private conversation with her friend.

Ethkin offers his hand to Rayne to be guided, reaches down to scritch Lepook's ears, "I don't know what you really are, but that is a fabulously accurate disguise."

Rayne starts making his way back towards the entrance, taking Ethkin's hand and says, "We will see you then."

Calico waits at the door, enjoying the morning sun.

- Tygot says to Ethkin, "You have good eyes for a blind man."

Ethkin smiles, and winks at Tygot.

Tillandor heads for the door as well.

Rayne looks at Ethkin with a thoughtful expression.

Jiona nods to Tillandor, then steps out of the shop after giving him another quick smile.  Standing in the sunlight near Calico, she finally undoes her cloak and stows it in her backpack, trying to be as nonchalant as she can about it.

DM says, "I think this is a good spot to pause, if we are done at Tygot's."

Rayne says, "I think so."

Tillandor nods.

DM will let Jiona pose a description first.

Calico says, "good break point."

Jiona oocly volunteers that anyone who wants to see what she looks like to 'look Jiona'.

''CharactersOfCauldron''

CategoryCauldron