Gael, exits the structure and makes his way to the magic user's tower to inquire about the rod and the ruins. When he sees someone already speaking with the magic user he stands beside them waiting for a time to speak. "Greetings, sorry to disturb you but I believe I may have something of interest." He pulls the silver rod from his pack. "Suitable for a wand perhaps? It was given to me by an elf named Kara. So I suspect there may be something magical about it.". "By the way do you know about that old tower on the outskirts of town? Was it inhabited by a former adventurer such as yourself?"

This message was last edited by the player at 14:07, Thu 19 May 2022.

In total there was twelve glyphs Wyndham had copied. Mistress Rakel was polite and invited Wyndham and Gael into her tower. On display in the tower was a stuffed crocodile.

Rakel laid out Wyndham’s rubbings and shuffled them about, she read them aloud “Journey, Star, Moon, Travel, Gate, Fast, Way, Door, Lunar” the offered of the silver rod was declined “nay there’s nothing magical about that” the magic-user shook her head.

On discussion about the old tower “Mother Majken seems set on rebuilding. Only thing I know is that it is old, older than Fourtower Bridge.”

Gael placed the silver rod back inside his pack. "Thank you, perhaps in the future, I may come across something magical that is worth your research". Gael's eyes lingered on the stuffed crocodile. On his face, there was a perturbed expression, but he did not speak up about it. He stroked his beard as he pondered on the meaning of the glyphs before turning to Wyndham. "Hmm, doesn't mean anything to me. Oh, excuse me I forgot to introduce myself. I am Gael: faithful servant of Ky."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:40, Thu 19 May 2022.

In reply to Gael (msg # 33):
Wyndham writes down the word beside each glyph for later reference. When the other man speaks, he pauses to look up.
"Well met, Gael. The name's Wyndham. Nice silver rod you have there." Wyndham scowls at the euphemism, but continues, "Where'd you happen to find it? I have its very twin."

Gael has a chuckle at the situation before responding. "Well, that's some coincidence. A nice elf lady gave it to me to relay a message. Wyndham... You must be one of the companions Kara had mentioned! She gave me this message: check out the water in the dungeon. Oh, and to stop by Preston's, she was going to hire him as your retainer for a few weeks. Regardless, she mentioned that you've been delving into Stonehell dungeon. I am planning an expedition to purge the dungeon of its unnatural inhabitants. I propose we ally. This agreement is in everyone's interest. Strength is to be found in numbers. What say you?

"Stonehell, eh?" says Wyndham trying not to wince. "Our last foray there cost us more than what we went in with. Maybe," he pauses, "you would first consider a quick outing to Modnar's tower? These glyphs here," he waves at the rubbings, "may lead us to an uptick of prosperity... if not opportunities to vanquish evil, of course. If you and the rest of the party are in agreement we could head out in the morning. Let me finish up my paperwork here and I'll join you at the inn."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:26, Thu 19 May 2022.

"I sense that our meeting was not mere coincidence. Very well, I will accompany your group to Modnar's tower and together we can uncover the meaning of those strange glyphs. Thank you for your hospitality Mistress Rakel" Gael leaves the magic user's tower and retires at the Inn for the evening.

"We can meet back at the inn," Devin said once they'd crossed the bridge into town.  He headed directly there himself as he was ready for lunch.  If he saw her, he'd fill in Kara on their progress.  He wasn't sure how fruitful their journey was, but they'd all come back in one piece.

Wyndham finishes up the glyphs and thanks Mistress Rakel for her assistance then asks, "Have you any gear to sell to a struggling adventurer?" After a moment of thought, Wyndham adds, "And would you happen to know any mages looking to earn a little coin for a dungeon romp?".
This message was last edited by the player at 02:49, Fri 20 May 2022.

The Moorland Magpie Inn welcomed the returning adventurers with beer and stale bread. The fighter Bosley and the two clerics Aylmer and Garrick spent the evening in the inn getting to know one another.

At Rakel’s tower Wyndham was told that the magic-user had neither any items to sell nor knew of any magic-user in search of adventure.

Dejected, Wyndham returned to the inn. He greeted the clerics then sought after Eglantine and Preston for employment.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:50, Fri 20 May 2022.

One night at Magpie Inn sees Derry fit and ready to return to Modnar's Tower. While Kara and her expansive thoughts would be missed, he welcomes the newcomer and his retinue, wondering if they will enjoy the company of rats and skeletons as much as he has.

Let's return and continue down that western corridor.

16:47, Today: Derry the Dwarf rolled 4 using 1d6.  healing.
-1.5 GP for lodging.
-3 GP for 3 flasks of oil.
Ms. Eadwynne Haute now UNENGAGED.

ooc -- Forget Preston. Wyndham will take on Eadwynne and Eglantine. Sorry, I lost track: how much are these peeps going to cost per day?

"How many of us are there, now?" Devin asked, seeing so many new faces.

Gael sat in the Inn and discussed Theology with his new retainers. He was not forceful in his opinion. Gael was open-minded and discussed his views freely. When he saw the rest of the group enter the Inn, he greeted them. "Well met, you must be Derry. I am Gael, devoted servant of Ky. Kara arranged that I deliver these to you. He hands the bandages to the dwarf. What ails you? The surrounding forest may provide medicine that will speed your recovery." Gael's expression was one of equanimity and his words were friendly.

He turned to the man wearing the sky sigil of Auril. "You must be the pastor Kara spoke of. Pleased to make your acquaintance. Kara has arranged a month of tutoring for you with the pastry girl. Apparently, she is an expert in dungeons and dungeon madness". Gael appeared satisfied that he was able to keep his promise to the elf. "I understand you are traveling to Modnar's tower? May We accompany you? I do not know the meaning of those strange Glyphs but I sense it is part of something greater. This is Bosley, Aylmer, and Garrick. All have assured me they are not apprehensive accompanying us into Stonehell."

OOC
Wyndham, Kara already spent gold on Preston. If I remember correctly, he would be free for you to hire for 20 days. If you would like.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:51, Sat 21 May 2022.

Gael found that Bosley had a cruel streak. The two priests Garrick and Aylmer were more pleasant company although Aylmer was a bit morbid at time. Garrick as fellow worshipper of Ky was venerably old, with his old age came a recklessly and fearlessness of death.

OOC They will have to spend 2 nights in Fourtower Bridge for Derry to heal, recovery of hp is only after 24 hours of bed rest.

The party is now 9 strong.

Wyndham has employed 3 men-at-arms Eadwynn, Preston and Eglantine. Eadwynn and Eglantine are both 20gp each per day. Preston is 12gp per day but has been paid in advance by Kara.

Gael has employed 3 adventurers, Bosley, Garrick and Aylmer. They will claim a half share each of all treasure and all XP. Therefore for the next delve treasure/XP will be split 11 ways with the PC receiving 2 shares each. Garrick and Aylmer has both been bought backpacks.

Do folks have anything they want to do in the extra day or should we skip to the morning they plan to return to Modnar’s Cellar?

Wyndham and company are ready to go.

-1.5 GP more for lodgings.
Gael, you seem gung ho. You can set up the new marching order. Put Derry in the 2nd rank.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 15:05, Sat 21 May 2022.

OOC
How does something like this look? Use the first one when there's enough space and go down to the second one when necessary. Keep in mind I don't have much gaming experience, so I'd be open to suggestions. Gael is ready to depart to Modnar's tower.

Front
Gael, Garrick, Devin
Bosley, Wyndham, Derry
Preston, Eadwynn, Aylmer
        Eglantine
Back

Front
Gael, Devin
Derry, Wyndham,
Garrick, Bosley
Preston, Eadwynn,
Aylmer, Eglantine
Back

This message was last edited by the player at 15:59, Sat 21 May 2022.

Put the hirelings in front. Do not spare their lives. There has not been enough space for three abreast these many expeditions, the road to Stonehell excluded.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:21, Sat 21 May 2022.

How about reversing the second marching layour? (I.e. back becomes front)

Then it may benefit to put hirelings wearing chainmail in the front Garrick and Eglantine are. Not sure about Preston and Eadwynn

Devin isn't so sure more bodies will be more effective in the close confines of the cellars.  However, he's ready to go when they are.

Ok how does this look for the order. Gael will give Bosley his pack to carry.

Outdoors
Front
Eglantine, Garrick, Bosley
Derry, Wyndham, Gael
Preston, Devin, Aylmer
        Eadwynn
Back

Dungeon
Front
Eglantine, Garrick
Derry, Gael
Aylmer, Bosley
Devin, Wyndham
Preston, Eadwynn
Back

Sorry Devin I forgot to wait for your reply in the OOC thread. If my retainers are considered excessive I will dismiss some or all next time
This message was last edited by the player at 04:20, Sun 22 May 2022.

After another day in the inn the party of ten gathered early in the morning as the clouds of the previous days broke into rainfall. Throughout the trudge toward Modnar’s Cellar everyone’s cloak was soaked. Once they were past the cultivated fields, off the road into the woods the rains ceased and sun began to shine.

They reached the toppled walls and moss covered flagstones without any interruptions.

OOC
Day 26. Time: 9:00am. Weather: Sunny and wet. Vision: Daylight. Movement 20’

Light?