Eberron PbP Story Hour – Chapter 5: To Friends New and Old
Lealani looked up at the dwarf, not wanting to move and disturb her sleeping friend from her lap, “Someone has murdered our friend… poor Mr. Geldam. He summoned us here to meet with him and as we arrived we found him falling from above,” she gestured up. “There was nothing we could do! Then we had an encounter with this warforged, obviously part of whatever evil plot is in motion.”
The dwarf glared at her.
“I’ll be askin’ the questions here, lassie. I suggest ye shut yer mouth before ye say anything that may incriminate ye. I also suggest ye all put down yer weapons. Now. My name is Sergeant Dolem of the Sharn watch. We’ve had reports of fightin’ and killin’ here on the bridge. I see the reports ta be true. So tell me, what the hell is goin’ on and why are there two dead bodies and a tied-up warforged?”
“There’s only one dead body here Sergeant,” Kolthak replied. “And he was dead before we got here. The other one is just sleeping on account of the spell that subdued the warforged that attacked us. We tied him up and disarmed him so he wouldn’t attack again when he woke up.”
Sgt. Dolem looked at the warforged. “And why did it attack you?”
“Ach, it didn’t say. That was part of what we hope to find out when it wakes up. We were attacked by one on the train to Sharn, but I don’t think it was the same one. Something flew out of this one’s head and darted off though.”
“We approached after we saw Master Geldam fall…, although we didn’t know it was him at first,” Lealani added.
As the group talked to Sgt. Dolem, people came out of the shops around the area and started talking to the other two officers. They took statements and eventually whispered something to Sgt. Dolem.
“It looks as if the witnesses coming forward can corroborate your story. So you have no idea why this thing attacked you or Mr. Geldam you said he was? How did you know Mr. Geldam?”
Kolthak said, “”He had contacted each of us, asking that we meet him today in Sharn, and paid our fare here. He gave no indication of why he wanted us to meet him.”
Rathan pointed to the tied up warforged. “I do not know if this warforged had anything to do with Master Geldam’s death, but it certainly was set on our deaths before the Lady here was able to subdue him with a spell.”
Sgt. Dolem started taking notes. “How did you know Mr. Geldam?”
“Well Sergent, I believe we all know him in different ways,” said Lealani. “As for myself, Master Geldam was a tutor that my Auntie set up for me here in the city. My Aunt would be Mistress Elvinor d’Phiarlain if you would like to check the facts.”
She looked down at Jebber. “He should be waking up any minute… I hope.”
Both the warforged and Jebber stir at about the same time. The warforged looked up and its eyes glow red.
“Let me go, meatbags, or you will all die slowly and painfully.” It’s at this point that they realized the voice was feminine.
“Hah! Put down your weapons he says,” Creamstack monologue. “Little does he suspect that I don’t fight with a weapon! Yes, once again, my cleverness gets the better of everyone I meet! I’m brilliant!”
“Oooo, my head… by the Host, did we prevail? Why am I lying — oh Heavens, pardon me,
milady!” Jebber sputtered and sat up, pushing his wet, dark hair out of his face.
Lea blushed hard. “Not at all, it’s well, partially my fault you were, er, knocked out. Okay, totally my fault. I hope you’ll accept my apology?”
“Ah, well, we’re all safe, and that’s what counts. Um, who is this good dwarf?”
Lealani, embarrassed that the man did not accept her apology, wiped herself as she stood. “He’s the city guard, they are asking what we know about Master Geldam’s untimely…,” her eyes shifted to her mentor’s limp body and her lip trembled, “…demise.”
“From my part” Ilyra said to the dwarf “I met Master Geldam a couple of years back when he was teaching at Morgrave University. You know, I studied there…”
“Begging your pardon, officer, I’m a bit, er, well rather flummoxed. Geldam spent some months doing research in Korranberg, and I was his assistant. We have only spoken through the mail since then.” What color was in Jebber’s face drained away. “And now he … he’s dead.”
The sergeant took everyone’s statements and put away his notepad. “Ok folks. I’m going to take your friend here back to the precinct and find out what’s going on. We’ll also take Mr. Geldam back to the morgue and contact his next of kin. Just don’t leave town so I can find you if I need you.” Sgt. Dolem and the other two officers leave you standing in the rain on the bridge.
“Well that went well. I suggest we see aboot finding somewhere to get dry on the outside and wet on the inside,” suggested Kolthak.
Now that the immediate threat is over Lealani’s eyes start to tear up. “T-that’s a good idea,” she sniffles.
“I agree to the idea of us going to some tavern or inn nearby” Ilyra said. “I would like to have a chance to examine Master Geldam’s book more carefully”
As they discussed what to do next, a cloaked figure appeared out of the darkness, holding up a hand with a ring that bore a symbol which Ilyra recognized as belonging to House Cannith. “If you would know the truth of Bonal Geldam’s murder, go to the Broken Anvil tavern at dawn.”
Before they could ask any questions, the figure turned and disappeared into the darkness.
Kolthak spoke first. “Well, that was convenient. I suppose we should find a place to stay near the Broken Anvil. Anyone know where it is?”
“Am I the only one who thinks this is TOO convenient?” Ilyra asked. “whoever that was carries the symbol of House Cannith. On the cover of master Geldem’s book was a symbol that reminds of House Cannith insignia. Another coincidence?”
“Of course not lass. This whole thing smells worse than a week dead goblin.” Kolthak responded. Kolthak puts his axe away and pulls his cloak up a bit. “But I’d suggest we discuss the whole thing somewhere dry and warm.”
“Let’s get out of this rain and find some better light,” Jebber suggested. “I’d like to take a look at that book as well.”
Lealani wiped her wet hair off her face, “Any place will do to get out of the cold and rain. We can ask for directions to this Broken Anvil and check it out after we dry off. That warforged that attacked us was far from home, something far reaching is going on here.”
Jebber put a comforting hand on Lea’s shoulder. “Milady, do not despair. Bolan was wise, and he may have called us here because he knew of this very danger. He thinks we are fit to face it, and I trust his judgment. We will avenge him, and then (gods willing) we will bring him back.”
“You may call me Lealani, or Lea if you prefer.” Lealani smiled at the man, appreciative of his comfort. “What do you mean, bring him back? Surely that is far beyond any of our skills…”
Kolthak looked around to see if he can spot anything that looks like an inn nearby. “Are we going to keep standing in the rain all bloody night? Let’s get in out of the rain, and then we can talk.”
The group looked for a while and found an establishment with a Golden Horn on the sign. went inside and found an extremely nice foyer. The human female at the desk smiled at them as they entered. “May I help you?”
“I hope so lass. My companions and I are looking for a comfortable place for the night, and some good food and strong drink. Would you be having such things here?” asked Kolthak.
She smiled broadly. “But of course, sir. Would you like the standard room or did you have something more opulent in mind?”
Lealani smiled at the woman and raised a finger. “One moment please.” Now that she wasn’t distracted by dead mentors or boys she said in a low voice, “We’re in the University District here.” She tried to be delicate, “It’s probably a little fancier than we’d like for tonight. Perhaps Den’iyas will be better for our needs…” she said, trying to prepare her new friends for the price of the room.”
“I’m sure the standard will do well enough. How much for the room and dinner?” Kolthak asked the woman at the counter.
She answered, “Will you each want your own room? We have a lovely suite that will comfortably hold two people for a low price of 50gp per night. It’s one of our most popular bargains!”
Jebber grappled with his own jaw to keep it from hitting the floor.
Shrapnel spoke. “Ah, the comforts of not needing to sleep, eat, or breathe. I’ll just mind my own business outside and save a few coins. I wonder if these people have realized that I’m following them around and have yet to introduce myself. Hrm… Well then I guess I will!”
Rathan responded, “Did you say 50gp? I’m sorry and no offense intended, but where I come from you can buy a very nice house for that price.” He turned to the others, “I think we would be better off to seek a more affordable housing.”
“Yes, I believe I can lead us there, I’ve lived in the city on and off my entire life.” Lealani turned to the girl at the counter and smiled. “Thank you but we’ve decided we need to be elsewhere.”
She turned back to Kolthak. “I’m sure we’ll find something to eat and drink there. It’s the Gnomish section of the city.” She tried to lead the group to a better spot for their needs.
“Hrm…” Shrapnel ‘though’ out loud. “I guess I should try to tag along wherever they end up going. A House Cannith connection might be able to get this horrible headache fixed…”
The group made its way to Den’iyas, the gnome neighborhood of Sharn. They found an inn by the name of the Bearded Goat, where rooms were a reasonable 2gp a night. Each room held two people, so it worked out to 1gp a night per person. Dinner consisted of a lot of different vegetables and a cup of gnomish wine and was included in the cost of the room.
“Delicious! Ah, it’s just like home.” Jebber regaled the party with stories about gnomish cooking, agriculture, and how each vegetable in their dinner got its name.
Lealani picked at her food, she had obviously lost her appetite and is hardily drinking the wine.
“So, it seems that fate has brought us together for a reason. I don’t know about the rest of you but I intend to be there tomorrow morning to find out what happened to my…friend. Will anyone join me?”
“Aye lass,” Kolthak affirmed. “You’ll not be the only one seeking an answer. Should we perhaps take a look at his book to see if it has any answers for us?”
“Yes, let’s take a look at that book,” said Jebber.
Ilyra retrieve the book from her backpack and showed it to the group. It was a small journal, measuring about 3 inches by 6 inches and 1 inch thick. The cover was of dark brown leather with strands of mithral thread woven in a strange pattern. It bore no title, just the mithral-thread icon on the front cover. “I didn’t have the chance to read it, but I did recognize this” she said as she pointed to the icon, a stylized anvil and hammer inside a circle “as a primitive version of the House Cannith seal. I have no idea what is inside. Shall we find out together??”
Ilyra opened the book. Inside, every page was blank, but the sheets had a strange feel; they didn’t seem to be paper or leather, but something not readily identifiable.
“That’s very odd. Let me take a closer look at that please,” asked Kolthak as he reached for the book. His eyes became milky white and he studied the book more closely. After a few seconds, his eyes went back to normal. “Odd, there is nothing magical about this book.”
Jebber frowned. “Perhaps we should check it for dweomers on the morrow. Uh, speaking of tomorrow, I assume we’re walking into a trap? What kind of things should we expect? I’m somewhat new to this.”
“It may be a trap, but perhaps not. I would think if the messenger had wished us harm he’d have attacked while we were occupied with the enemy warforged. Speaking of which, why are we being attacked by several warforged? Perhaps they are trying to hinder us from learning what our friend wished our help with,” responded Kolthak. “I have some little experience in such matters. But since it’s seeming less likely that he means us much harm, we don’t need to go too far. I’d suggest though that we know where this Broken Anvil is and how to get there. And much as it pains me to say so, we should probably be there a bit before dawn so as to be waiting for our mysterious contact when he arrives.”
“That’s a good point. He could have harmed us gravely, or even hidden his signet ring. The warforged that attacked us do seem quite odd. I’ve never heard of a metal sparrow flying out of one’s head, for example. We should get a sack to throw over the head of the next one.”
“Could I see the book please?” asked Lealani. She took a closer look, especially feeling the pages. She opened the book wide and looked at the binding, verifying that they were indeed part of the book. She handed the book back to Ilyra.
Ilyra pulled the candle on the table over and placed a page over the top of it. The page didn’t even burn.
“How odd. And it’s non-magical, you say? How very odd.” Jebber ponders for a moment. “Say. A terrible thought just struck me. It may be a bit late for this, but does anyone know where Master Geldam lived? I have his postal address, of course, from our correspondences… but I’ve never been to his home. Perhaps it would be wise to pay it a visit before agents of his enemy do. But then again, perhaps they already have. Of course, I can’t imagine breaking into Morgrave University… so I suppose any inquiry will have to wait until morning.”
Rathan pondered to the group, “I wonder if all warforged have little sparrow like things in their head. Maybe we should ask our companion. Despite his being somewhat ‘broken’ he may give us an answer.”
“What a preposterously stupid question. Hrm… maybe he’ll believe me if I just say ‘yes’ and go along with it…” replied Shrapnel.
“Does anyone have the alchemical skill to look the book over? Or what might happen if we pour some ink on these pages…?” asked Lealani.
“It’s certainly worth a try, though I’d suggest writing something would be a bit more … respectful.” Jebber pondered for a moment more. “Perhaps it is somehow keyed to House Cannith. That would explain both the cover ornament and the source of the assailants. Though if so, I fear we’re up against a mighty foe indeed.”
“Cannith is not the only great House in the land. I say we wait till after we meet with the Cannith man we met tonight before we do anything permanent to the book. Perhaps the mysterious man will have some answers for us.” Kolthak finished his food and drink, pushed his chair back and stands up. “I dinnae know about the rest of ya, but I’d like some sleep before greeting the sun to meet our mystery man.”
“Kolthak, my friend, I hate to say that but I don’t believe House Canith is responsible for our warfoged enemies or Master Geldam’s demise,” Ilyra said. “All warforged were build by house Canith but not all still work for them. The warforged that attacked us had the mark of Karnath on her. Maybe they have something to do with it. But I agree that we can only find out what this really is on the morrow and well rested. So shall we finish dinner and go upstairs?”
Kolthak clumped upstairs and found his bed. He put his mail shirt over the foot of the bed as human sized beds are a bit long for a dwarf, and he made sure to keep his axe near at hand.
“I believe,” Ilyra said, turning to Lealani “That since we are the only girls, we are going to share the room, correct?”
Lealani smiled. “Yes, sharing a room would be wise, especially considering we all may be in danger now. However, I think I will have another drink before bed. I will see you up there.”
“Oh, I just thought, since the dwarf went to bed that we were all going,” Ilyra said “Since you all are staying, I don’t mind staying either.”
“A flagon of something unusual, if you would, good barkeep,” Jebber asked in gnomish. “Only five of us want rooms? I suppose that’s alright. I’ll take the lone room if nobody else wants it.”
“You can always share a room with our thoughtful warforged friend,” Ilyra tried to show a sarcastic smile.
After almost finishing her third drink, Lealani stood and gracefully stumbled, but only slightly, to the front of their table with her glass in hand. “Before I retire for the evening, I will, in Master Geldams honour, sing his most favorite song, the one he always asked me to sing for him. It seems more appropriate for him than some depressing farewell of a tune. I imagine in his mind he was a true romantic,” she smiles. She cleared her throat and sang beautiful melody:
A clouded dream on an earthly night
Hangs upon the crescent moon
A voiceless song in an ageless light
Sings at the coming dawn
Birds in flight are calling there
Where the heart moves the stones
It’s there that my heart is calling
All for the love of you
A painting hangs on an ivy wall
Nestled in the emerald moss
The eyes declare a truce of trust
And then it draws me far away
Where deep in the desert twilight
Sand melts in pools of the sky
When darkness lays her crimson cloak
Your lamps will call me home
And so it’s there my homage’s due
Clutched by the still of the night
And now I feel you move
Every breath is full
So it’s there my homage’s due
Clutched by the still of the night
Even the distance feels so near
All for the love of you.
After her song, she raised her glass to the air and finished it.
“That was quite beautiful, dear Lady. I’m sure Master Geldam would be honored,” said Rathan.
“Thank you good sir,” she smiled sadly, “I think we’ll all miss him.” She paused, pondering before she turns back to Rathan.
“Care to escort us to bed then? It’s rather late and we have an early morning. And perhaps we’ve had too much to drink.”
“It would be my pleasure.” Rathan escorted both ladies to their room, helping steady them if any get a little tipsy. “I will see you both on the morrow. Sweet dreams to you both.” He gave a soft smile to Lealani and turned to go.
She returned his smile and gave him a little wave before shutting the door. Sighing, she said to Illyra, “He’s rather handsome, no? And sweet.”
