Complete 18+ Private Providence Midnight Haunting of Hill Manor

[Kamala Graham]

Providence
Hill Manor

Spoiler: Theme

‧͙⁺˚･❀･˚⁺͙‧

Kamala sees a ghost?!

Kamala had agreed to join @Chrys in Providence for one reason, and one reason only, and that was to finally witness the region's distinct architecture and mountains. When he suggested they go on a quest while in the area, she only agreed to do so because she thought they wouldn't find one so fast, not to mention what they would find being so spooky. Providence had been a place that she had not yet visited until this point. She had been so comfortable and settled in the Viridian Fields that she really did not find any reason to venture forth elsewhere. Not unless there was a quest or something important she needed to do to help ensure everyone else's safety.

She gulped in her seat, discreetly writhing in fear and concern before she ever moved to get her cup of tea that was so generously offered by their charitable employers, the rich couple who owned and lived in Hill Manor, where they were now, and tried to calm her nerves with the hot drink. Kamala had not expected to hear about actual ghosts in this game, even though she should have, considering she had Spirit Magic. Spirits of the dead are so very different from my whimsical spirit of nature that heals and helps everyone, though, she tried to excuse her own ignorance to no actual comfort to her. When she realized the forlorn wife was staring at her throughout, she offered her an uncomfortable and very awkward smile, trying to reassure her that she was fine and that they should go on telling their story. Tis the season, to be fair.

"We were away on business when it happened. Upon our return, we found her, our only daughter, Olivia, as well as the manor's servants brutally murdered. The tragedy threw us into a deep depression, especially when the investigation found no true suspects, and we spent some years away from our home so we could deal with our grief. To this day, I still don't even understand it myself: We're good people, our family had a good reputation, we had no personal or public impropriety, nothing to motivate the murders."

The man began to sob, which only served to further Kamala's feeling of awkwardness and discomfort. From the corner of her eye, she could have sworn she saw something, a shadow maybe, moving from behind the farther halls of where they sat. But a blink and a half later, and she could not find a shred of evidence to support her earlier assumption. Maybe it was just nothing.

"Will you be able to help us?"

When Kamala looked up, she realized the wife was staring at her directly. She offered her another uncomfortable smile, nodded slowly, and turned to her companion for...help. She wanted to help them, she really did, but unresolved murders were not her jam and ghosts of such crimes weren't the spirits she sought to speak with using her magic. Yet, what else could she do but accept their pleas for help? She can't be so selfish!

 

[Chrys]

《⋯《 ⋯ ❖ ⋯ 》⋯》

"It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men."
― Frederick Douglass​

Chrys didn't believe in ghosts or the supernatural, but this was a game, and he simply threw them under the category of the game's many, many features. For if ghosts or the supernatural truly existed, then why have their executioners been released into the wild with nary a scratch? Maybe I'm just that good in the court of law. If Chrys would become a ghost, though, in this world or his own, he would definitely go after his executioner, fuck rules and whatnot.

He heaved a sigh as he listened to the father's words, holding the deceased daughter's diary in his hands. The parents had given it to them as something that could assist their so-called investigation. Chrys was only able to scan its contents, finding out that the manor's location was written on the first page, so if lost, it could be brought back home again. Chrys also read about how the parents only had one daughter, the same one they lost, a fact that was shared by the husband again. The information regarding the family-owned businesses, the tanneries and the shoemaking shops, were more useful as was the fact that most of their wealth was apparently inherited on the wife's side.

Chrys caught a glimpse of @Kamala Graham's meek stare and responded to the wife for the both of them, oblivious to his companion's uncertainties, only focusing on the fact that she did consent to do a quest with him in this place. He was left unaware of any misgivings she could have, believing that she, too, shared his opinion on ghosts and the supernatural being nothing more than a form of entertainment for those entertained by the possibilities of the afterlife.

"Yes, but please tell us more about your, uhh, businesses: Any close associates we may investigate or further ask about what really happened that day?"

The parents turned to each other, both seemingly concerned about something unspoken, unrevealed, before the husband hesitantly answered.

"I-I suppose you could pay Lord Faerl a visit. He's our...closest business associate and he often visits us twice a tenday. Although, he's already been questioned during the initial investigation and wasn't much help. I'm uncertain he would be of any help to you now."

Chrys simply nodded, taking out a small notebook with an equally small pen latched onto its side. He took the pen after and started noting the fresh information. In his head, this Lord Faerl was a prime suspect. If there was foul play, greed was always the usual motivation. Or hatred. What do businessmen hate more than themselves if not other businessmen richer and more successful than them? Perhaps a cheating wife, but there's no real evidence of that at the moment.

"All right. We'll pay him a visit then. If there's anything else, do let us know. Even a tiny detail could help our investigation immensely."

Chrys then turned his attention to Kamala, expecting her to say her final words before they would proceed to Lord Faerl's residence. It seemed to him like an easy path forward, though Chrys was looking at things in a very skeptical way. Could it just be a murder of passion? A violent accident? Either way, their best bet should be in the trail of money.

 

[Kamala Graham]

‧͙⁺˚･❀･˚⁺͙‧

Kamala thought the information about the business associate was a stellar catch. @Chrys had a good idea in thinking the whole thing could have been financially motivated, but she wondered if the original investigations already caught on to that. That gave her another idea, though, which the original investigations may have already checked as well, but they weren't privy to those, so they definitely had to start somewhere, even if that somewhere meant stepping on the same set of steps their predecessors had already made. It was a start, not a bad one, and it was all they had. Awkwardly, Kamala nodded at Chrys, acknowledging his support and attention, before turning to their employers with a question of her own.

"What about any, uhm, romantic relationships? Did your daughter, Olivia, have a lover you know of? Or anyone that could potentially fit the bill?"

The husband and wife turned to each other. The father seemed incredulous as if he truly did not know about anyone who could be his daughter's lover. It was probably true. Daughters rarely turned to their fathers about such things. But the mother? The mother simply patted the father's hand on his leg and turned to Kamala with an effortless answer.

"Olivia did not talk about having, uhm, a lover, but she had been seeing a boy, a squire, a lot before the, uhh, tragedy. His name is Hugh and he lives close by, on Flanagan Street."

Kamala nodded at the wife's revelation. She then turned to Chrys, and without speaking a word, asked if they were done with the interrogation, or more appropriately, the interview. She wasn't feeling that great, sitting in that haunted manor. The married couple had just returned to their home after so many years, and so far, they had not experienced any spiritual outbursts. It seemed to her, to them, that they might need to visit those two mentioned people first, gather more information, and maybe come back, formulate a plan, to rid the manor of its haunting.

This isn't really my forte... Or was it? Her Spirit Magic could argue if it had a mouth. Or sentience.

 

[Chrys]

《⋯《 ⋯ ❖ ⋯ 》⋯》

Chrys waited a few more seconds before confirming with @Kamala Graham's stare that it was indeed over. The interview, I mean, not the work. The work has yet to be done, and their investigations were just beginning. But they were done there, with the husband and wife. On behalf of a preoccupied Kamala, he bid them farewell and informed them of what to expect.

"Well then, we'll be on our way. We'll start with these two and catch you both up to speed once we're done with their interviews. Rest assured we'll get to the bottom of all this."

Chrys then stood up and shook hands with the couple, all while waiting for Kamala to do the same. Once they were done with the pleasantries, the couple escorted them out of the manor and the pair of Adventurers started on their way. Chrys cleared his throat and tried his best to comfort his companion.

"Are you all right, Kamala? Do you wish to not do this quest? We can still abandon it if you're not comfortable. I'm sure there are other quests in this place, ones less...spooky."

Before they could truly depart, however, they were met by a well-dressed maid at the front gate. She had a warm smile and a fine body, giving off a faint scent of fine wine.

"Greetings. You must be the adventurers the lord and lady sent for to assist in the manor's mysteries. If I can be of any service, do let me know. My lord and lady have been so kind to me..."

Chrys could easily tell that the woman was amicable and conversational. He surmised that she had just finished "inspecting" the family's wine cellar, just by the faint smell emanating from her breath. If she had an inkling of the manor's mysteries, and if her employers have been kind to her, then she may know the history of the place well, including the more public details of the terrible murders. Although the young maid's expression of sadness seemed honest to Chrys, he could also tell that she finds the dark tale exciting, perhaps even glorifying the creepy reputation of the manor in secret. Let's see if we can use all that to our advantage.

"Yes, well, I'm Chrys of Lyrwick and Stokbon, and my companion is Kamala Graham of Viridian Fields in Pormont. We're both adventurers who were on vacation when we happened upon your lord and lady's request for assistance. We've experienced our fair share of tragedies, truly, and thought we may be of great help to ease their pain and sorrow."

When the maid nodded in agreement and appeared convinced of their helpfulness, Chrys turned to Kamala and urged her to ask the first few questions. Surely, the maid would know new things, right? Things that could be helpful to their investigation? Kamala's lead-in, with her more innocent and social demeanor, would definitely ensure the success of the rest of their interview. If anything, it could relax the maid until they were done with her.

That and if Kamala wanted to leave, now was the time to state her intention to abandon the quest. The maid could inform her masters that she was not feeling well and must leave town. Or something like that. They could just drop the quest off to another pair of Adventurers. His priority was making sure Kamala was all right with all this.

---

Rolls

Expertise Check
1d100 (58) + 0 = 58 (Average)
Awareness | Chrys | 1356

Expertise Check
1d100 (83) + 0 = 83 (Average)
Presence | Chrys | 1356

Play Sheet Link

 

[Kamala Graham]

‧͙⁺˚･❀･˚⁺͙‧

Kamala simply followed @Chrys' lead, wanting to get out of there as soon as possible. She didn't want to be rude to the long-suffering couple but she didn't want to stay in that haunted place any second longer. So when Chrys provided them a way out, Kamala meekly went through that door with zero hesitation. She was trying to piece everything she had learned from that interview in her head when she heard Chrys' question.

"Hmm? Oh, I'm fine. Just a little spooked but I trust you. I need to stop being easily spooked anyway, so this is actually a good start."

She let out a chuckle to convince her friend that she was all right, that all was right in her world, but her nervousness showed in the way her voice cracked and in the way she avoided long-term eye contact with him. Then they bumped into the maid and Kamala was once again opening her mouth to ask more questions, an act she hadn't noticed was becoming quite natural for her in the course of their quest.

"Oh, well, if you don't mind... Can you tell us anything strange about the murders? That you know of, I mean. And maybe if anything seemed off about anyone after the tragedy struck?"

Kamala didn't have high hopes that the woman could tell them more stuff that they didn't already know. After all, they'd just interviewed the two pivotal pieces in the murders, save for the actual victims and the perpetrator, and they were already on their way to interview two more persons of interest. So she was mildly shocked when, after a long pause, the maid started spouting helpful trivia that wasn't shared with them by anyone else prior.

"Hmm, well, I'm not sure if you haven't heard about this, but rumor holds that the servants and the young lady were all stabbed to death, THEN had their tongues removed. Isn't that strange? Removing tongues from corpses?"

It was strange indeed, but it left more questions than answers for Kamala. She turned to Chrys with a pensive nod, wondering if he had further questions himself. The tongue removal thing sounded very cultist. She wondered if that could be the missing piece. Then again, wouldn't past investigations already cover that theory?

 

[Chrys]

《⋯《 ⋯ ❖ ⋯ 》⋯》

Chrys caught @Kamala Graham's nod with the corner of his eye and decided to not waste any more time just turning in her direction and returning her gesture. He had a question himself, and he wanted to verify the veracity of the couple's earlier claim with this third party.

"Would you know what other businesses the family still have under their possession?"

The woman did not miss a beat and immediately responded to his question like she even expected it, like she was used to people not focusing on the strangeness of the tongue-removing tidbit and more concerned with whatever else was going on in their heads. Was his curiosity a commonplace thing, in which she had already suffered? Or was she well aware of the answer firsthand? Chrys did not show any suspicion he had of the woman, if ever, and instead waited for her prompt reply.

"Yes, well, a few tanneries, leatherworkers' shops, and cobblers' shops in the Trades Ward still belong to the Lord and Lady Varus."

Chrys was very pleased with her information, his lips curling into a smile. He gave her a nod and a brief bow before deciding it was time to move on. Kamala did not seem like she had more questions to ask and the maid might need to carry on with her day. With words of gratitude to the maid, he began to lead her companion away, though more curious at that information in the Trades Ward. He reckoned they still had time to burn, so he communicated the same with Kamala and led her to the aforementioned place.

The pair spent at least a few hours asking around the Trades Ward but managed to identify the three cobblers' shops, two leatherworkers' shops, and two tanneries still owned by the Lord and Lady Varus. The businesses all appeared nondescript, and none of the workers or even managers know their masters personally, certainly not anything valuable to their investigation. Chrys even tried to get on the good side of the cobblers and tannery managers working for his employers but gained no further knowledge they could use for their cause. Perhaps, I should've bribed them more than just ten pieces of gold?

"Might be time to head for Lord Faerl's. What do you think?"

Chrys asked Kamala as he pocketed his gold once more, having been declined by the loyal, or perhaps more wily, employees of the Lord and Lady Varus. In his head, these grunts would have had more useful information to sell. He should have brought more gold, though. Maybe they'll strike better luck with the couple's closest business associate. Either way, it was time to get off the streets.

---

Rolls

Expertise Check
1d100 (68) + 0 = 68 (Average)
Presence | Chrys | 1356

Play Sheet Link

 

[Kamala Graham]

‧͙⁺˚･❀･˚⁺͙‧

Kamala tried her best to assist @Chrys in asking around at the Trades Ward but also found herself innocently chatting with other blue-collar folks like herself. She marveled at all their products as well as their work ethics. Although she could not think of a way to partner the Viridian Fields with these cobblers and tanners and leatherworkers, she vowed in her head to discuss the matter with the more business-minded individuals of her farm. Surely, there would be someone there more knowledgeable than her on matters such as these, on how to build profitable friendships with such businesses. At Chrys' question, she simply nodded.

"Oh, sure! Let us make haste then, dear friend!"

She set out to ask around for Lord Faerl's location and managed to learn that the man lived in the village southeast of the Ward, though he was expected to visit within the next two days.

"Seems like we'll have more time for ourselves before our man gets here. Would you like to do something else? Maybe go somewhere else?"

In retrospect, Kamala should have thought about spending all that time questioning their other suspect, the girl's supposed lover, the boy named Hugh, but in her defense, she was still feeling really good about her conversations with the traders in the Ward that she had forgotten about the additional pain of their current quest. Fortunately for her, a private coach arrived, distracting everyone including Chrys. It barely fitted along the narrow streets, especially with its company of seven men on horseback wearing the same colors. Squinting at the driver of the coach, Kamala was quick to notice he wasn't wearing the same colors as the others, perhaps not part of the entourage.

"That seems like an unusually large entourage, even for someone carrying money."

And then an elf dressed in pompous finery and an oversized red hat emerged from within that coach, his pride and cruelty in full display. His smirk was the very definition of arrogance while the traders' equal cowering and hatred of him spoke well of how he was not viewed in a good light. What kind of man needed such an entrance, basked in divided attention? Was this someone important? Could it be...

 

[Chrys]

《⋯《 ⋯ ❖ ⋯ 》⋯》

It could be! A light bulb figuratively appeared over Chrys' head. It took him merely a few seconds of staring at the strange new addition to their location. A coach too big for the street, an entourage too overgrown for a simple trader, and clothing too out-of-place for anyone trying to meld in with the crowd, all that and more meant only one thing to him: Lord Faerl. Or at least he surmised it was the same person.

"Hmm... You're right, dear friend. It's too large an entourage for anyone here."

Chrys wasted no time in approaching the elf and his entourage, though two of them were quicker to block the adventurer's path. Chrys did not pay them any mind and instead focused his attention on their boss. He wasn't being paid to associate with minions. He was being paid to interview their boss, and hopefully, solve what needed to be solved as soon as possible. The Trades Ward was nice and all, but he'd now rather do some more sightseeing as inspired by @Kamala Graham.

"Lord Faerl."

The pompous elf took one long look at Chrys, his elven eyes wandering from head to toe of the adventurer, and smirked. It seemed the human's armor caught his attention, enough to warrant a brief bow from the proud businessman. Most nobles were like that, easily swayed by shiny things. Sometimes by simple relics of the past, ruined remnants of history. Chrys' armor was the latter.

"Yes, my good knight? How may I help such a noble-looking peacekeeper?"

With a quaint gesture, Lord Faerl had his soldiers give way to Chrys who offered him a nod in turn as a token of his gratitude. A shame, however, that Chrys wasn't there to make new friends. He was simply there to ask questions. Chrys was never anywhere to make new friends, especially not in this game. He had goals, and the rest, with a few exceptions, were just means to his ends.

"My friend and I are looking into the Wingrave murders on behalf of Lord Theo and Lady Eleanor. They said you were a close business associate, and you visit them a lot. May we take a moment of your time to question you?"

The elf's demeanor suddenly changed at the mention of the murders. Only then did he seem to notice Kamala, though he quickly shook his head as he feigned empathy on the tragedy. He didn't even look Chrys in the eye, now avoiding his steely gaze. His seven men began to notice the tense atmosphere, however, and though Chrys had not noticed it himself, they were readying themselves for war. Maybe just a little scuffle. He was just one man, after all.

"Ah, yes, such a terrible injustice. Lord Theo, if I remember correctly, was quite broken by the tragedy. Unfortunately, I do not have the time to spare. Good day."

Lord Faerl tried to get back inside his coach, only for Chrys to instinctively grab his arm. The act surprised the businessman, as no one in their right mind would do such a thing, no one beneath him at least. He wondered then and there if Chrys was someone else, something else, surely of note, to be able to have the confidence and reckless attitude to possibly make an enemy of such a powerful man. Then again, Chrys was not his employee. Chrys also had the pretty intimidating armor.

"You have just arrived, my lord. Why the sudden haste to depart these premises?"

Lord Faerl tried to remove Chrys' grasp upon his arm but found his efforts futile. Chrys was, of course, very strong for a man his build, deceptively strong. In desperation, the scowling elf turned to his men and gestured for them to get the adventurer off of him, which they immediately did, grabbing a surprised Chrys and pulling him off of their employer, pushing the adventurer back. As soon as he was clear of the man, the elf slammed the door of his coach as hard as he could and yelled at the driver to get them the hell out of there. Definitely not the end goal Chrys had in mind.

"Well... It looks like I'm going to have to deal with the grunts, after all."

Chrys heaved a sigh as five of the seven hired goons started to circle him, the other two remaining in place from a safe distance. Archers, obviously. Two of the non-archers appeared more experienced than the three others. Chrys had been in this position before, outnumbered, though the last time had been much easier with friends. He wondered how Elias, Leyna, and Samantha were doing right then and there before remembering he was in a fight and shooting Kamala an apologetic look.

---

Play Sheet Link

 

[Kamala Graham]

‧͙⁺˚･❀･˚⁺͙‧

Kamala heaved a sigh at @Chrys' antics. For someone who was just there to get paid for the job, he sure did a lot of extra stuff that didn't really contribute anything to the job. Their quest was to simply extract some useful information from Lord Faerl. His having to fight seven other men just seemed to her quite unnecessary. Maybe he just enjoys being with a lot of men, who am I to judge?

"Gentlemen, please! If I may? Why fight on this beautiful day when we can instead have some meaningful conversation over tea or some drinks? My apologetic friend over here will, of course, shoulder all the expenses."

She tried to win all seven men over at the same time with her general decorum. Alas, her attempt to persuade them only got her strange looks from the hired goons. They exchanged glances real quick as if confused by her offer. Why would they risk losing their jobs over tea or drinks with strangers? It was a terrible idea, sure, but it was the only thing Kamala had at the moment.

"Uhh, I don't think they're into my suggestion, Chrys... I think you'll really have to fight all seven men at once. Don't worry, though: I'll try to heal you as best as I can."

Kamala gulped before scooting on out of there, finding a safe distance from where she could assist her more physical friend. She wasn't the type to delight in fisticuffs with newly met strangers, foes or not. All she could do was help her friend from far away. Well, not that far. But you get the idea: Support's always at the back of the line. Most of the time.

---

Rolls

Expertise Check
1d100 (76) + 10 = 86 (Average)
Presence | Kamala Graham | 1356

Play Sheet

 

[Chrys]

《⋯《 ⋯ ❖ ⋯ 》⋯》

210 / 270

-60 HP from Bandit Scout (x2) Retal
Vulnerable

Chrys simple nodded at @Kamala Graham before shifting his full attention at the men around him. With her backing him up, he had full confidence that he could take them all at the same time. He hoped. He just needed to take out as many of them as he could before one of them develops a brain and realizes the smart choice was to always take out the healer. No heals, no game, no life.

"All right, gents. I guess it's morbing time for all of you to get some good night's rest, courtesy of me."

Through the dirt and dust beneath their very feet, Chrys summoned the Claymore of the First Loyalist (Greatsword). He swung the heavy two-edged broadsword backward, and as it glowed a golden color during its descent, smashed the ground before him with it, sending jagged shards of the earth at the first two men that tried to charge him. His Auric Geomancy transformed the same rocky shards into his Thousand Sparkling Gold, enhancing their basic form with grains of darker sand and dust that could cripple and blind entire armies. There was a much easier way of performing this attack, one that did not necessitate the weapon, but he was feeling less mage-y and more barbaric at the moment. Chrys smash!

❰ Thousand Sparkling Gold: Grand Scattering of Heavenly Splinter ❱

Two of the seven men under Lord Faerl's payroll, Chrys' unfortunate victims, rushed toward him, and before getting knocked out by his rocks, managed to get close enough to slice and dice him. At the very last minute, a few seconds right before their consciousness left them, they even managed to throw their respective ratty old boot knives at Chrys separately. The two men dropped to the ground, the rest of their companions having been much wiser to wait out Chrys' defense, while their knives clanged against Chrys' First Plate of Excellence (Heavy Armor), one of them actually sticking through its interlocking metal plates. The adventurer just stood there, a little taken aback.

"Ah, that's unfortunate. Kamala, can you try convincing them again to stand down? I'm not giving back their knives."

Chrys heaved a sigh, not even staring at anyone else. His full attention was on his armor. When his eyes zeroed in on the knife stuck to it, he heaved another sigh and attempted to pull it out. He wasn't bleeding or anything, but it was still a little annoying. Just because steel can stop a blade from piercing your flesh doesn't mean the flesh underneath can't feel that impact.

---

Rolls

Ultra Hinder
2d100 (83 + 54) + 25 + 20 = 91 (Total halved)
91 damage to HP and SP. Gain the Vulnerable state
Aura | Chrys | 1356C1 | It's Morbing Time
Alter Hinder for 182 damage to HP

Play Sheet Link

---

OOC/Combat Guidelines

• There are three Bandit Scouts, two Bandit Arbalists, and two Bandit Bosses.
• All rolls must be made in the #rolls channel.
• Taking out a Bandit Scout requires 1 successful attack against DC 30. You must lose -10 HP with every attempt regardless of success. If your roll result doubles the DC, you can take out a second Scout.
• Taking out a Bandit Arbalist requires 2 successful attacks against DC 20. You must lose -15 HP with every attempt regardless of success. If your roll result doubles the DC, you take out one Arbalist with one attack.
• Taking out a Bandit Boss requires 3 successful attacks against DC 30. You must lose -35 HP with every attempt regardless of success. If your roll result doubles the DC, you make 2 successful attacks against the Boss.
• Current Cycle: 1356C1

Mercs

Thugs

❰ 0 / 1 ❱

BANDIT SCOUT
Retaliation Damage: 10
DC: 30
Knife Trick. Upon defeat as a last act, a Scout tosses a ratty old boot knife (or maybe a cool rock they picked up) at their killer. Take an extra 5 Retal upon killing a Scout.

❰ 0 / 1 ❱

BANDIT SCOUT
Retaliation Damage: 10
DC: 30
Knife Trick. Upon defeat as a last act, a Scout tosses a ratty old boot knife (or maybe a cool rock they picked up) at their killer. Take an extra 5 Retal upon killing a Scout.

❰ 1 / 1 ❱

BANDIT SCOUT
Retaliation Damage: 10
DC: 30
Knife Trick. Upon defeat as a last act, a Scout tosses a ratty old boot knife (or maybe a cool rock they picked up) at their killer. Take an extra 5 Retal upon killing a Scout.

Archers

❰ 2 / 2 ❱

BANDIT ARBALIST
Retaliation Damage: 15
DC: 20

❰ 2 / 2 ❱

BANDIT ARBALIST
Retaliation Damage: 15
DC: 20

Vets

❰ 3 / 3 ❱

BANDIT BOSS
Retaliation Damage: 35
DC: 30
Reinforcements. Each cycle a Boss remains undefeated, roll 1d2. On a 1, a new Scout joins the fight. On a 2, a new Arbalist joins the fight.
Morale Break. Upon defeating a Boss, one person may attempt a Presence Check of DC 40. On success, any remaining enemies flee!

❰ 3 / 3 ❱

BANDIT BOSS
Retaliation Damage: 35
DC: 30
Reinforcements. Each cycle a Boss remains undefeated, roll 1d2. On a 1, a new Scout joins the fight. On a 2, a new Arbalist joins the fight.
Morale Break. Upon defeating a Boss, one person may attempt a Presence Check of DC 40. On success, any remaining enemies flee!

 

[Kamala Graham]

‧͙⁺˚･❀･˚⁺͙‧

145 / 145

The confusion was very apparent on @Kamala Graham's face. She genuinely thought @Chrys wanted this fight. After all, who in their right mind, who didn't like the idea of fighting seven men at the same time, would go out of their way to instigate a fight with seven men at the same time? Men are strange. Stranger still, at least to hear, was his request of repeating her established failure.

"I don't think they'd be very amenable to hear me plead my case again, Chrys. At least, not right now, not so soon, not after you just beat up two of them."

She made an apologetic smile just in case one of the remaining men was watching her, but none of them did. All their attention was focused on Chrys, which was fair, considering he was the one who instigated this fight. A crowd was starting to form around the scene as well, and though most merchants were trying their best to ensure that the violence would not spill into their respective stalls, more onlookers were intrigued by the bout. Odd, though, that no local law enforcement has arrived. Or maybe not so odd, if one considered Lord Faerl's deep pockets. These were his men fighting a man who tried to grab the rich lord. If anything, if local law enforcement did arrive, Chrys had a better chance of getting jailed than these hired goons. Speaking of...

"May I suggest convincing at least one of those experienced men calling the shots?"

They were "hired" goons, the operative word being "hired," which means, if her experiences with Chrys have taught her anything, money could perhaps sway them to their side. While they were ignoring Kamala who was fast becoming part of the onlooker crowd, their eyes were still on the armored adventurer. Maybe he should be the one trying to convince them to put their weapons down. Knowing Chrys, though, he wouldn't ask, just bonk. If it gets the job done, and at a faster rate, he would ignore the more common sense of a route.

"In the meanwhile, let me just..."

Kamala decided to help Chrys for a bit, channeling the mending spirit of nature to bathe him in healing light. While under the spell, Chrys would see what the Yladians she had met called the "Garden of Gwyndolainn," though Kamala herself had never met the person or even been in her garden. At least not that she knew of. Somehow, anyone who receives her spell never failed to see the same illusory sanctuary, though. Including her.

❰ Heart's Illusion ❱

That should be enough help, right? This was Chrys' fight. Kamala doesn't even enjoy violence. Not unless it was necessary and never finding delight in it. To her, it was a last-ditch effort, but she's not that strong yet to fully abandon it for a better course of action. In due time.

---

Rolls

Heal (Single)
2d20 (7 + 17) + 20 + 15 + 20 = 79
+79 HP to 1 target (@Chrys)
Mend | Kamala Graham | 1356

(P) Overheal | Mend A | Kamala Graham
You may heal 30 (B) HP over the ally's max HP.

(P) Infuse | Mend A | Kamala Graham Support Action used. @Chrys gains 10 HP.

Play Sheet > Play Sheet (Playtest 2)

---

Mercs

Thugs

❰ 1 / 1 ❱

BANDIT SCOUT
Retaliation Damage: 10
DC: 30
Knife Trick. Upon defeat as a last act, a Scout tosses a ratty old boot knife (or maybe a cool rock they picked up) at their killer. Take an extra 5 Retal upon killing a Scout.

Archers

❰ 2 / 2 ❱

BANDIT ARBALIST
Retaliation Damage: 15
DC: 20

❰ 2 / 2 ❱

BANDIT ARBALIST
Retaliation Damage: 15
DC: 20

Vets

❰ 3 / 3 ❱

BANDIT BOSS
Retaliation Damage: 35
DC: 30
Reinforcements. Each cycle a Boss remains undefeated, roll 1d2. On a 1, a new Scout joins the fight. On a 2, a new Arbalist joins the fight.
Morale Break. Upon defeating a Boss, one person may attempt a Presence Check of DC 40. On success, any remaining enemies flee!

❰ 3 / 3 ❱

BANDIT BOSS
Retaliation Damage: 35
DC: 30
Reinforcements. Each cycle a Boss remains undefeated, roll 1d2. On a 1, a new Scout joins the fight. On a 2, a new Arbalist joins the fight.
Morale Break. Upon defeating a Boss, one person may attempt a Presence Check of DC 40. On success, any remaining enemies flee!

 

[Chrys]

《⋯《 ⋯ ❖ ⋯ 》⋯》

229 / 270

+89 HP from @Kamala Graham's Heal
-70 HP from Bandit Boss (x2) Retal
Vulnerable

Chrys tightened his grip around the hilt of his unnecessarily heavy claymore, a drop of sweat streaking down the side of his face. Although he appreciated the healing from his only companion, he was starting to realize that perhaps he did in fact bit more than he could chew. Especially after one of the veterans started laughing at him and gestured in the air: "Anyone interested in making more gold, replace our fallen associates, yeah?" Without even missing a beat, two archers suddenly drew their crossbows at Chrys from the crowd. Not a good development. So he just laughed.

"Well, that's certainly interesting. What if we make it more interesting? If I take out that guy, I'll take all his gold instead. No takebacks."

Chrys then charged at the aforementioned veteran, his chosen victim, dragging behind him the Claymore of the First Loyalist (Greatsword), a maniacal grin on his otherwise tempered face. Almost at the same time that the the Excelled Crystal of Loyalty (Focus), the crystal orb embedded in his claymore, glowed a golden shade, he raised it high in the air and smashed the ground between him and his prey. The rest of their opposition had no time to react: The mere sight of a juggernaut rushing toward them with a devil-may-care attitude was enough to root them in place. The same juggernaut breaking the earth beneath their feet? There was not enough gold in the world to buy out that fear, especially not from a lander.

When Chrys manifesting his Thousand Sparkling Gold through his Auric Geomancy, he willed an uncountable number of jagged shards of the earth beneath his very feet to rise in the air and float right in front of him while other non-worthy shards threw themselves at everyone and everything else. Once he was satisfied with the smug look on his face, a fair warning at his prey, he hurled them all at the same time and as hard as he could, intending to cripple and blind the arrogant lander with the sheer crushing and slashing impact as well as the grains of darker sand and dust that the shards ended up as.

❰ Thousand Sparkling Gold: Grand Scattering of Heavenly Splinter ❱

For his defense, the veteran struck Chrys' armor back, forcing the two of them to take a few steps back and away from each other. Well, Chrys only needed to take one step. The veteran? He was pushed back by a combination of Chrys' enforced attack and his own momentum. Dude ended up on one knee, one eye forced temporarily shut by the dust and debris of Chrys' attack, panting and wheezing, clearly in pain and panicking. The rest of their crew were looking very apprehensive now, and the other veteran just stood there, also a bit taken aback.

"I can take as much as I can dish out, gentlemen. There is no true stake for me here. Up to you if you'd all like to taste the wrath of the mountains by facing me and my giant-ass sword."

Chrys sneered, confident as fuck. These times were rare, so he had to take them whenever he got them, wherever he got them, even if he was bullying hired goons like a complete and total asshat. It was just a game. Relax. No one's actually getting hurt. Probably.

---

Rolls

Roll Result
1d2 (2) = 2
making my life harder part 1
Roll Result
1d2 (2) = 2
making my life harder part 2
Two (2) Arbalists join in on the fun

Ultra Hinder
2d100 (58 + 97) + 25 + 20 + 50 = 250
250 SP damage
You are Vulnerable.
Aura | Chrys | 1356C2

(P) Enforce | Aura S | Chrys
Hinder/Ultra deals HP damage, if used, gain [ ?r 3d20 # Enforce | Mastery MR | Chrys ] extra damage.
Roll Result
3d20 (18 + 19 + 7) = 44
Enforce | Aura S | Chrys

Play Sheet Link > Play Sheet (Playtest 2)

---

OOC/Combat Guidelines

• There are one Bandit Scouts, two Bandit Arbalists, and two Bandit Bosses remaining. Two Bandit Arbalists also joined the fun.
• All rolls must be made in the #rolls channel.
• Taking out a Bandit Scout requires 1 successful attack against DC 30. You must lose -10 HP with every attempt regardless of success. If your roll result doubles the DC, you can take out a second Scout.
• Taking out a Bandit Arbalist requires 2 successful attacks against DC 20. You must lose -15 HP with every attempt regardless of success. If your roll result doubles the DC, you take out one Arbalist with one attack.
• Taking out a Bandit Boss requires 3 successful attacks against DC 30. You must lose -35 HP with every attempt regardless of success. If your roll result doubles the DC, you make 2 successful attacks against the Boss.
• Current Cycle: 1356C2

Mercs

Thugs

❰ 1 / 1 ❱

BANDIT SCOUT
Retaliation Damage: 10
DC: 30
Knife Trick. Upon defeat as a last act, a Scout tosses a ratty old boot knife (or maybe a cool rock they picked up) at their killer. Take an extra 5 Retal upon killing a Scout.

Archers

❰ 2 / 2 ❱

BANDIT ARBALIST
Retaliation Damage: 15
DC: 20

❰ 2 / 2 ❱

BANDIT ARBALIST
Retaliation Damage: 15
DC: 20

❰ 2 / 2 ❱

BANDIT ARBALIST
Retaliation Damage: 15
DC: 20

❰ 2 / 2 ❱

BANDIT ARBALIST
Retaliation Damage: 15
DC: 20

Vets

❰ 1 / 3 ❱

BANDIT BOSS
Retaliation Damage: 35
DC: 30
Reinforcements. Each cycle a Boss remains undefeated, roll 1d2. On a 1, a new Scout joins the fight. On a 2, a new Arbalist joins the fight.
Morale Break. Upon defeating a Boss, one person may attempt a Presence Check of DC 40. On success, any remaining enemies flee!

❰ 3 / 3 ❱

BANDIT BOSS
Retaliation Damage: 35
DC: 30
Reinforcements. Each cycle a Boss remains undefeated, roll 1d2. On a 1, a new Scout joins the fight. On a 2, a new Arbalist joins the fight.
Morale Break. Upon defeating a Boss, one person may attempt a Presence Check of DC 40. On success, any remaining enemies flee!

 

[Kamala Graham]

‧͙⁺˚･❀･˚⁺͙‧

110 / 145

-35 HP from Boss Retal

Kamala heaved a sigh of disappointment. It dawned on her that @Chrys was more than happy to continue on with his folly. As more men rose to join the hired goons, that was only made more evident by his growing confidence. The armored adventurer would fight everyone he could, knowing that he would survive the landers just because he had the fortitude of mountains. And the healing prowess of a full supporter in Kamala.

"All right, that's enough, Chrys. You've had your fun."

Revealing the Yladian's Hopeful Lamp (Focus) into the light, as it had been stowed within her Serene Yladian Robe (Light Armor), Kamala wasted no time in firing a bolt of concentrated magic, which was bolstered by nature's spirit that manifested illusory flora throughout its journey. Well, up until it hit the same veteran Chrys had fought.

❰ Reflection in Mind ❱

Instinctively, however, the same veteran shot at Kamala, a final shot that hit her on the shoulder. Although the healer was surprised, she realized then and there that there was no such thing as a safe distance, especially when it came to unnecessary fights. Luckily for Kamala, her own attack was enough to take down the more experienced fighter. Realizing the opportunity that had presented itself, she stood her ground, feigning ignorance at the retaliation, and broke the remaining enemies' morale. After all, what's scarier than a mage that brushed off physical projectiles?

"And so have the rest of you. You only get one chance: Flee, and your fates will be less painful. Stay, and you will have to suffer my magic."

The remaining thugs stared at each other for a while before scrambling away, taking their fallen with them. Kamala looked around the area, and when the passersby noticed her glare, they too started to depart the premises. Inside, however, she was a bundle of nerves. Not to mention she was in pain from the damned shot! Once Chrys would go to her, hopefully cover her with his massive frame, away from everyone else's view, she'd let herself wince and grimace with her true feelings. Gah, that hurts, that hurts, that hurts!

---

Rolls

Normal Attack
1d100 (63) + 10 + 15 = 88
88 damage
Illusion Magic | Kamala Graham | 1356C2

Expertise Check
1d100 (84) + 10 = 94 (Morale successfully Broken!)
Presence | Kamala Graham | 1356C2

Play Sheet (Playtest 2)

---

Mercs

Thugs

❰ 1 / 1 ❱

BANDIT SCOUT
Retaliation Damage: 10
DC: 30
Knife Trick. Upon defeat as a last act, a Scout tosses a ratty old boot knife (or maybe a cool rock they picked up) at their killer. Take an extra 5 Retal upon killing a Scout.

Archers

❰ 2 / 2 ❱

BANDIT ARBALIST
Retaliation Damage: 15
DC: 20

❰ 2 / 2 ❱

BANDIT ARBALIST
Retaliation Damage: 15
DC: 20

❰ 2 / 2 ❱

BANDIT ARBALIST
Retaliation Damage: 15
DC: 20

❰ 2 / 2 ❱

BANDIT ARBALIST
Retaliation Damage: 15
DC: 20

Vets

❰ 0 / 3 ❱

BANDIT BOSS
Retaliation Damage: 35
DC: 30
Reinforcements. Each cycle a Boss remains undefeated, roll 1d2. On a 1, a new Scout joins the fight. On a 2, a new Arbalist joins the fight.
Morale Break. Upon defeating a Boss, one person may attempt a Presence Check of DC 40. On success, any remaining enemies flee!

❰ 3 / 3 ❱

BANDIT BOSS
Retaliation Damage: 35
DC: 30
Reinforcements. Each cycle a Boss remains undefeated, roll 1d2. On a 1, a new Scout joins the fight. On a 2, a new Arbalist joins the fight.
Morale Break. Upon defeating a Boss, one person may attempt a Presence Check of DC 40. On success, any remaining enemies flee!

 

[Chrys]

《⋯《 ⋯ ❖ ⋯ 》⋯》

Chrys loosened his grip around the hilt of his unnecessarily heavy claymore, a look of disappointment almost let loose on his stern face. @Kamala Graham had done what he had expected her to do, and with much gusto, so why then was he lamenting the loss of more fighting? The lander hired goons proved to be of no real threat to him. Not anymore. Not in his current state, with his current strength. Not to mention with his extremely proficient healer. Was he getting bored of the game? Nah, probably just one of those afternoons.

With an oblivious grin, Chrys stowed the Claymore of the First Loyalist (Greatsword) over his back and approached Kamala. He grasped her shoulders with both hands, proud of her accomplishment. It wasn't every day you get to see one of your more innocent friends scare an entire gang of hoodlums. He had doubts he'd ever see something of the sort from her ever again. Twas very cool, though.

"Hot damn, Kamala! Didn't know you had it in you! Pleasantly surprised and very much proud that you ran them all off with just one blast and a couple of words. Truly impressive!"

Chrys was caught surprised by her reaction, though, all that wincing and grimacing. Maybe she was pleasantly surprised herself. Less emphasis on the "pleasantly" and more on the "surprised herself." It didn't seem to her like she was enjoying the moment. Oh, right, that guy did shoot her in the shoulder. Oof. Chrys discreetly stole a look at what he assumed was her injured shoulder, though he wasn't that worried. She was a very proficient healer, after all, and he knew she had regenerative abilities. Pain was temporary for her. She would outlive it.

"Anyway, looks like that lead's gone. Should've taken one of them for questioning but..."

Chrys looked around them, fast realizing that if they lingered in the area, things might get more complicated. With that in mind, he offered her his arm, and once taken, he would lead her out of there. There was another lead they had, someone that might be less hostile to their questioning. Maybe this time, Kamala should do all the talking. Just based on this most recent experience.

"...might be time to pay a visit to one Mr. Hugh of Flanagan Street?"

Chrys could not think of anything else that they could pursue now that Lord Faerl was out of the picture. If anything, they could just go circle back on that hoity-toity piece of shit once they finish clearing every other lead. Chrys could feel it in his gut: That man was hiding something. But that man was long gone, quite possibly ran off to the safety of his manor. In due time, however, all will be revealed. They weren't leaving this place until they'd solved the mystery.

 

[Kamala Graham]

‧͙⁺˚･❀･˚⁺͙‧

Kamala couldn't even bask in @Chrys' flattery. Not that she ever would even if she could. Humility was one of her best features, even if she herself didn't realize it. What point was there to beam with pride for more than a few seconds anyway? You can't eat pride. You can't feed people with pride. It's not something that seemed very useful for Kamala.

Instead, she gritted her teeth and swallowed the pain. Soon, it was all over. Like it always was. She had the mind to push him away when she felt herself ready to move again, but before she could, he had already done it himself, putting a safe distance between them and instead offering an arm to lead her out of there, out of the crowd's prying eyes. Kamala did not hesitate to take that same arm, and soon, they were on their way to wherever Flanagan Street was to meet this Mr. Hugh.

"I hope this time you'll be on your best behavior. No fights unless necessary, please!"

The elf informed her human friend, pleading for peace to be pursued over violence. While she was not above pursuing less peaceful means to save her friends, and ensure they were all right, she'd rather not go gung-ho when she could play diplomacy instead. Not everyone was out to kill them, right? Especially not in urban settlements such as this civilized town. Or was it a city? Sometimes, Kamala had a hard time distinguishing one from the other.

At Flanagan Street, which wasn't that far off from the manor of their employers, everyone seemed to know this Mr. Hugh. The first person they had asked spoke highly of his bravery and perseverance. Another jumped right into the conversation and added how he had joined an adventuring company and made a name for himself. Someone else mentioned something about how Mr. Hugh had earned himself the nickname, "The Broken Horn," after his horned helmet was nearly cloven in two during a well-known sortie against a bandit lord south of the town. Or city. Whatever this place was. "It was only a year ago when he returned to live with his father and has since retired from adventuring."

"Did all that happen after the tragedy at Hill Manor some five years ago?"

The landers turned to look at each other, all with grim faces, but only one replied to Kamala with a saddened nod. She heaved a sigh at that, not at all impressed with everything else that followed, and gave Chrys a look of concern. She whispered to him under her breath, all while they followed a helpful person who had decided to bring them to Mr. Hugh's residence himself.

"The man might still be mourning. We need to be more careful when bringing up the tragedy."

Kamala stroked Chrys' arm as if to soothe his savage beast, the part of him that always looked for trouble when he was bored. Such were the ways of man, it seemed. Very indulgent and not all productive. For the most part, anyway. Once they had arrived at the door, the helpful person knocked first, and all three of them waited for Mr. Hugh to come out and greet them.

 

[Chrys]

《⋯《 ⋯ ❖ ⋯ 》⋯》

It was of great fortune, then, that the man they had sought was nowhere else but at his own home, and when he opened his door to the collection of strangers, his sunny sunshine demeanor never faltered. There was a little bit of confusion in his eyes, though, but it never grew big enough to dissuade him from welcoming them in. Well, Chrys and @Kamala Graham. The good samaritan simply left once the man was out his door. "You lot must be adventurers that I've met before during my earlier days...and simply forgotten about due to my age. I hope you can find it in your heart to excuse that of me. How may I help you?"

Chrys turned to Kamala first, taking note of her earlier pronouncements before revealing to Mr. Hugh the reason for their visit.

"We're actually here to talk to you about the tragedy at Hill Manor. If you have the time, I mean?"

Hearing the name of that dreary place seemed to have made Mr. Hugh visibly grim. He looked the pair over from head to toe before looking out for anyone that might be eavesdropping on them. When he found no one else, he ushered the adventurers inside his home, inviting them for a cup of tea. In the massive but empty living room, Chrys took note of the man's old helmet, complete with its shattered horn, just hanging above the fireplace hearth.

"How long has it been? Five years? Olivia was such a sweet girl. She didn't deserve what happened to her," Mr. Hugh sounded sympathetic enough. Or was it just Chrys who felt his pain over the tragic death all those years ago? Maybe Kamala was right when she spoke of the man and the tragedy, how time doesn't always heal all wounds. Or maybe he just needs more time. Chrys could swear the man was almost tearing up at the memories flooding his mind right then and there.

"What do you remember regarding the aftermath of the tragedy?"

Chrys did not want to prolong his suffering, so he tried his best to get the conversation moving. The sooner they were out of there, perhaps the sooner the man can escape the clutches of bad memories. "Well, after the...tragedy, the remains of the servants were interred in the public cemetery. I'm not sure if Olivia's were, too, but I assume that was the case." Why wouldn't it be? Chrys couldn't help but squint at the man while thinking of numerous other possibilities, but the oblivious Mr. Hugh continued to squeal. "Oh, wait, I also remember her father wanting her to be interred near the manor, but I can't be too sure."

Was her body still in that manor? Was that why... Chrys' inner monologue was interrupted once more by the now very talkative Mr. Hugh. If this was an interrogation, with him as the suspect, the retired adventurer would be the investigators' favorite. He was fast becoming Chrys', if not for the many, many interruptions. "I haven't been near that place, though," Mr. Hugh grew thoughtful, scowling at this new information. "I've heard from former compatriots of recent trouble along the roads in that area. Some travelers were robbed of valuable relics and jewelry, and more than a few have disappeared, their bodies never found."

Chrys immediately shot Kamala with a knowing look. It seemed to him that their investigation would bring them back to where it all began. He just wasn't sure if that was a good thing. That place did give him the creeps, and Kamala especially seemed spooked by the manor. Guess it's always been the perfect place to do some snooping then.

 

[Kamala Graham]

‧͙⁺˚･❀･˚⁺͙‧

Throughout @Chrys' display of restraint, Kamala felt like a proud mom. He had always been stable and reliable to her, but what happened with all those hired guns in the Trades Ward made her a little anxious at the moment. Maybe he just needed to release some pent-up aggression. She had never seen him do anything of the sort, even though she'd seen him enjoy bashing people's brains in during really important battles. Maybe that was just him releasing some pent-up aggression.

Whatever he did when they weren't together, she wasn't privy to. Maybe he was releasing all his pent-up aggression in Lyrwick or Stokbon. Wherever he went when they weren't together, when she wasn't around. That was his business, not hers. But when they were together, Kamala expected, maybe just hoped, that he would share her more peaceful pursuits and leave any aggression behind. Wherever he called home. Wherever he could.

"Perhaps you'd like to join our investigation, Mr. Hugh?"

The offer rushed out of Kamala's lips before she could think them over. Maybe it was her brain trying to avoid the unwanted images of the old manor, with whatever she saw before, with just her and Chrys and the couple that employed them to solve their mystery. Whatever the case, Kamala wanted to prolong that return to reality, to the dark task at hand, with more conversation with this retired adventurer, a warrior who knew the victims and survivors of the tragedy at that haunted residence.

But Mr. Hugh demurred, "I don't think I will. I mean, I would rather let the past fade." He shot them an apologetic look and Kamala gave him an understanding nod. He had survived such a terrible loss. Maybe it was for the better, for him to just sit this one out. Kamala couldn't help but heave a sigh, however, when it dawned on her that she and Chrys must now return to the manor alone, all by themselves. Maybe the couple that employed them would be suitable enough protection from whatever walked their halls without their knowledge.

"Well, then, I suppose we should be on our way. Thank you for your time, Mr. Hugh."

And with that, Kamala rose up and began to leave with Chrys. Ugh, Hill Manor... Here we come... I guess. It would not be the most triumphant of returns. In fact, it was a dreaded one. Hopefully, however, with a friend by her side, she wouldn't have much to fear. Beating up a ghost? Or maybe ghosts? That would be a first for her. Not a wanted one, but still.

As soon as the pair of adventurers left, however, Mr. Hugh immediately shut his door behind them, locking it as well. He scurried toward his massive dresser, and after hesitating for a bit, he once more donned his armor and weapons. The next thing he did was march on inside his stable, where an old but still faithful steed was eating hay. Mr. Hugh, armored like he was no longer retired, put on armor for his horse as well before leaving his place on the mighty steed, down the other path that the other adventurers didn't take. Fuck the past. I will have my revenge!

 

[Chrys]

《⋯《 ⋯ ❖ ⋯ 》⋯》

Well, that's that. After following @Kamala Graham's lead toward the door, Chrys bid the man adieu with a simple nod and only waited to speak to his companion once they were out of earshot. Why? Well, he didn't want to be rude to the man by talking about something he wasn't completely a part of. That and he didn't want to embarrass Kamala, even though he understood fear wasn't something to be embarrassed about.

Chrys had an inkling that Kamala didn't quite want to return to the manor yet, an inkling that he sympathized with. Whatever was going on with that place, he wasn't a fan of, even though the couple that lived there were paying them a great amount of amount to solve their little mystery. Was gold enough of a reason to abandon all fears and concerns, risking your own safety until the game was over? Damn, right. But Kamala didn't have to be risked, her emotions didn't need to be toyed with. She had an out in all this.

"Before we proceed to the manor, if you want to do that, why don't we take a little detour? I am feeling quite peckish at the moment, and I think I spotted quite the tavern across from that place. What do you think?"

Chrys had high hopes Kamala would still like to finish this quest, fears or no fears, but if she didn't want to, he wouldn't stop her from leaving. They already got their best lead yet anyway, and he could probably wing it from their. Besides, what could go wrong? Chrys was indestructible and he hadn't died yet. He should be fine, right?

 

[Kamala Graham]

‧͙⁺˚･❀･˚⁺͙‧

Kamala wasn't entirely sure what to make of @Chrys' suggestion. Was he trying to delay the inevitable? For himself? Or, more likely, for her? That thought put a smile on her face, and in response to his question, especially his implication of her leaving him on his own to save herself, she chuckled and shook her head.

"Don't you worry, Chrys. I'm not leaving you to take care of yourself this time. I have...my thing under control. But I do like the idea of that detour! There's no rush, right? Let's eat first!"

The tavern that Chrys had spotted had a warm and homey feel. Kamala could almost burst into happiness when they walked in. It was filled with locals at the moment, considering it was now the end of the workday. When they headed to a table, smiles on their faces, an old man wearing an equally old flannel shirt and riding hat greeted them with glee. Well, as much glee as an old man in the service industry could muster. "Welcome to the Swelling Pot. I'm Old Fargo, the proprietor, and since my servers are busy with all this activity, here I am, doing my part as well. What can I get you? If you need rooms, we have two spare remaining on the second floor. They're for rent by the day or tenday."

"Oh, thank you, but we're just here for some quick refreshments! Do you have some salad? I would love some fresh vegetables and greens!"

It was oh, so very elven stereotype of her, but her hunger meter really did need some replenishing. What better way to do that than with her favorite food from the real world! Kamala wasn't a full-fledged vegetarian, but when she can, she prefers only eating vegetables and fruits, nature's more traditional offerings. She does have some chicken from time to time, fish as well, but red meat's rarer as her cravings. Gotta do my part!

 

[Chrys]

《⋯《 ⋯ ❖ ⋯ 》⋯》

"I'll have..." What she's having? But I'm not a goat. "...your specialty, Old Fargo."

It was an odd name, and even odder that the man intentionally referred to himself as "old," but it wasn't the strangest name he had encountered in the game. One of his teammates literally misspelled the word "striker" for his last name. Ah, @Elias Stryker... Been a while, old friend. Where forth are thou?

"Oh, and if you have some, I can do with a cup of tea, please."

With a nod and a smile, he sent the old man back to the kitchen before looking around, and without first turning to @Kamala Graham, starting a conversation with her about the next part of their plan. The tavern was full, which meant Kamala would be safe there. With so many people around, she wouldn't find herself in any sort of danger. Plus, it was cozy and felt like home. It was the safest place they have been in since they arrived in Providence.

"Listen, Kamala... If you don't want to go back there, it's fine. You can wait for me here while I finish up...whatever it is I need to finish up in the manor. I'm sure you'll be fine here. We'll both be fine."

It was a routine investigation of the house and the grounds. Nothing more, nothing less. Chrys should be able to do it himself, right? A part of him doubted that, but he had no other options. He didn't want to risk Kamala. Not again. Besides, what could go wrong? He was invulnerable. He wasn't dying any time soon. Not to stinky hired guns and certainly not to ghosts. What even are ghosts lmao

When Old Fargo returned with their order, Chrys decided to try and ask the proprietor if he knew anything about the land across his tavern. Surely he'd have a thing or two to say about Hill Manor, right? They were neighbors, after all. Unfortunately for Chrys, he was high on pride at the moment, fresh from making a fool of Lord Faerl's a hundred or so hired goons, that he didn't check himself before the words started spilling out of his mouth. Like a fool on his own.

"Say, you're neighbors with the Varuses of Hill Manor, what do you think of them?"

The old man narrowed his eyes at Chrys and switched to a scowl, throwing away all pretenses of that glee from before. It seemed like Chrys struck a nerve, mentioning the names in the old man's presence. Who would've known, right? "My son, Young Fargo, fell into the Lord's circle of influence a month ago, and I haven't seen him since. Suffice it to say, whatever I have to say about the Varuses of Hill Manor, you and your daughter won't like my words, Lord Knight."

Ah, there it is again. Chrys getting mistaken for a lord or a knight, both this time, just because of his pretty cool armor. It's not that bad of a blunder, especially not for Chrys who has leveraged the misconception once or twice to get something better than he would if people thought he was just a lowly peasant or a smarmy trader, but he digressed. It was the first time, though, that someone mistook Kamala for his daughter. They were literally the same age, give or take a few years. Wack.

---

Rolls

Expertise Check
1d100 (3) + 0 = 3 (Terrible)
Presence | Chrys | 1356