010. The Lunatics of Moonholm

[Corwin]

[19:33] <Kotono> --------------------------------------
[19:33] <Kotono> OOC: Okay. You guys were going to pursue Gweonryn, from what I've gathered?
[19:37] <Aaeru> roll 1d20+5 luck?
[19:37] * Hatbot --> "Aaeru rolls 1d20+5 luck? and gets 21." [1d20=16]
[19:37] <Andria> roll d20+7 GI with aid from the scout/tracker dude!
[19:37] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls d20+7 GI with aid from the scout/tracker dude! and gets 14." [d20=7]
[19:37] <Janson> roll 1d20+2 aiding Andrea
[19:37] * Hatbot --> "Janson rolls 1d20+2 aiding Andrea and gets 5." [1d20=3]
[19:38] <Wayland> roll 1d20 aiding Aaeru!
[19:38] * Hatbot --> "Wayland rolls 1d20 aiding Aaeru! and gets 17." [1d20=17]
[19:41] <Kotono> Of the information gathering, Aaeru and Wayland strike better and quicker. At the docks you come up to a fish seller hauling away fresh fish, a big sack of them over his shoulder. "Oh eh? Eh? Eh? Oh, you're looking for Gweonryn? Eh, ain't seen him in a little while, not since he asked me about those Lunatics."
[19:42] <Wayland> "Lunatics?"
[19:43] <Kotono> "Oh, you've never been to one of the revelries over in the reaches, eh? Eh?" Thwapping his left ear with his hand, a bit of watery fluid trickling out, "Lunatics. They're a band of warriors serving the moon goddess Selune. You should pay attention, they'll have these amazing parties and sometimes they'll spread like wildfire!"
[19:44] * Wayland raises an eyebrow and looks at his compatriots. "Have any of you ever heard of this?"
[19:44] <Aaeru> "I heard about them!" Aaeru agrees perkily. "So Gweonryn joined that bunch, you think?"
[19:45] <Kotono> "Dunno, didn't ask him," Thumping his ear again, "Eh? Eh. Damned water."
[19:46] <Aaeru> "Did you direct him somewhere, then? Or to someone else? Please, try to remember, it could be very important!"
[19:47] <Kotono> "Yeah, out on the western side of Balmuria. The Luna...aaah!" With a final thump a little more water comes out, "The Lunatics have a little fortress out that way. It's called Moonholm."
[19:48] <Aaeru> "Thanks!" Aaeru chirps, smiling brightly at the fish seller. She glances towards Wayland, asking, "Fancy a trip to the west?"
[19:50] <Wayland> "Why not? It could be fun, at least!" Wayland grins.
[19:51] <Wayland> "Do you think we should take the others along?"
[19:51] <Aaeru> "Sure thing. Let's check back with Sylvie and collate our leads?"
[19:52] <Wayland> "Good idea, maybe the others have something we missed." He heads back to the shop.
[19:53] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[19:53] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 82." [1d100=82]
[19:55] <Kotono> Thus the party is gathered up! Heading to the Western part of the city requires going through the New City. You pass by street after street of prosperity, new built buildings kept well and well ordered. When you at last pass out of the western gate you find everything here much more spread out.  Wandering deeper in this mix of buildings, small farms and open spaces you come to Moonholm. It is
[19:55] <Kotono> a luminous silver fortress, the plain rock having a moonlight-silver sheen to it. It has gates incribed with crescent moons and stars kept half open. There's a tiny courtyard then a more mundane single door leads inside. Above this door is a black plaque, writing on it.
[19:56] <Janson> This isn't really far from where Janson lives, anyway. "Surprised I never noticed this place," he comments, glancing back towards the street he lives on before he heads through the gates into the courtyard.
[19:57] * Aaeru observes the plaque, first thing.
[19:58] <Kotono> The plaque reads in Common: Silver light above, bless this house with celebration and life!'
[19:58] * Janson knocks on the door after seeing no one in the courtyard.
[19:59] <Aaeru> It certainly seems like a happy place, and Aaeru catches up to Janson.
[19:59] <Wayland> Wayland looks clearly impressed with the look of the place.
[20:00] <Andria> "Looks like they take good care of the place, don't they?" Andrea notes.
[20:00] <Wayland> "I'll say."
[20:00] <Kotono> The door opens after a few moments. A young man - barely not a child - looks out. He wears a simple white tunic and hose, rustling chain under his shirt. He has night-dark hair and large eyes. "Yes?" he asks, "Do you seek the Lunatics?"
[20:01] <Aaeru> "Yes! Are we in the right place?"
[20:01] <Janson> "Sort of," Janson smiles back, "There's a guy called Gweonryn that might've joined up lately?"
[20:02] <Kotono> "Yeah," He opens the door wider, stopping at Janson's words. "You know, hold on. Let me get Balyss." With a polite nod he leaves the door ajar, "Be right back."
[20:02] <Andria> "Thank you for your help!" Andrea says politely before he vanishes.
[20:02] * Janson shrugs. "Sounds like a story," he muses as the kid vanishes.
[20:05] <Kotono> It's perhaps a minute before someone returns. She is a short woman, busty and with white hair on the verge of resembling spun silver. Her skin is clear and has the same almost metallic tint. She looks youthful, wearing splint mail and with a shield slung on her back. A morning star hangs at her side as she opens the door wide. "Balyss," she takes Andrea's hand and gives it a shake, repeating
[20:05] <Kotono> with Janson, Aaeru and then Wayland.
[20:06] <Aaeru> "Aaeru," she reciprocates when it is her turn. "We were hoping to see Gweonryn, but there seems to be some sort of problem with that?"
[20:07] <Janson> "Janson," the redhead provides his own introduction with a smile.
[20:07] <Kotono> "Yeah." Balyss heads out past the gates, going to sit in the grass against the outer wall of Moonholm. She drops her shield to the ground, morning-star following. "Second time someone's come looking for him, but fact is, he never came here. From the sounds of it, never made it here."
[20:08] <Janson> "Huh, who came looking before?" Janson asks curiously, following along and sitting before Balyss on the grass.
[20:08] <Aaeru> "Second time?" Aaeru asks, focusing on that. "If I might ask, who came looking for him and when?"
[20:09] * Wayland frowns. "He never made it here?
[20:10] <Kotono> "Day or two...no, definintely two," She sits back and looks up at the sky, "Old man, said his name was Ceiar. From the way he thanked Helm, ten to one he's one of the Watching God's men. He said he was trying to find Gweonryn and heard he came this way. When I told him I didn't know him, he thanked me, shook my hand and left."
[20:10] <Andria> "That sound familiar to you at all, Wayland?" Andrea asks, not recalling hearing of any old men from him.
[20:11] <Janson> "Hmm. Guess we could check out the church of Helm next?" Janson muses.
[20:11] * Wayland shakes his head. "I'm not sure who this Ceiar is, but we should probably speak with him next."
[20:12] <Kotono> "Hey," Balyss says, "Why's this Gweonryn so popular? You don't look like Helmites chasing him down."
[20:12] <Janson> "We're Whimsical Sweets troubleshooters!" Janson announces proudly. "A friend of his from out of town asked us to look for him."
[20:13] <Wayland> "A friend of his hired us to look for him. Wait, why do you say the Helmites are chasing him?"
[20:14] <Aaeru> "Since we're here and have already taken some of your time, could I ask when you're planning your next revel?" Aaeru asks curiously. "It sounds interesting, so if you're allowing for outsiders to visit during those times, I'd definitely come!"
[20:14] <Janson> "Oh, me too!" Janson seconds. "It sounds like the Moon dancing the women did back home, but I never got to take part in that."
[20:14] <Kotono> "No reason." With a shrug of her shoulders, "But if Helm's church is looking for him, I figure he's either thrown in with them or he's in trouble with them, follow? See, we don't really get along that well with Helmites. So if he was coming here and Helm's followers are chasing him..." A shrug, "Maybe he was looking for help or a place to stay away fromt hem."
[20:15] <Aaeru> "I don't really think it's anything of the sort. Would Helm really send old men to chase someone down?"
[20:15] <Kotono> "Plan?" With a sudden grin, "When we see the moon is full and bright we celebrate! Just show up and bring something good to drink or eat, or some music."
[20:16] <Aaeru> "I could contribute to the music," Aaeru volunteers. "Thanks!"
[20:16] <Janson> "Old people can be dangerous," Janson shivers briefly, pushing himself to his feet. "Next full moon I'll definitely stop by, I only live down the road anyway."
[20:16] <Wayland> Sighing, Wayland says, "Well, I suppose you're right. We should check the Helmite temple then." He perks up.
[20:16] <Wayland> "But I think that I may join you, Aaeru, when you come here."
[20:17] <Kotono> Balyss stays where she is, "Good luck finding him," she calls, "And we'll see you next celebration!"
[20:18] * Aaeru laughs. "Sure, it'll be lots of fun. And as for our next stop, it should be the Western Gate, actually. We need to track down whomever was on duty recently and ask if they saw Gweonryn."
[20:18] * Wayland nods.
[20:18] <Janson> "Thanks for your time, Balyss," Janson smiles and waves, heading off. "How long ago did was it?" he asks Aaeru as they go.
[20:19] <Aaeru> "This old man Ceiar came two days ago, so I'm thinking two-three days previously. If we come up empty, we'll check the temple of Helm next."
[20:20] <Janson> "Hope we don't have to go running around asking different guards all over the place..." Janson hums as they stroll back to the walls and mythal of Balmuria proper.
[20:21] <Kotono> The trip back is a simple enough one. On reaching the western gate you find a quartet of guards on duty, watching people come and go.
[20:21] <Aaeru> "If we're not the first to look into this, then others might have asked about Gweonryn before," Aaeru reasons. "That sort of thing tends to be memorable." As she spots the guards, she makes a beeline towards them, smiling!
[20:22] <Kotono> "Yes?" One asks as Aaeru approaches, "Do you need something, ma'am?"
[20:24] <Aaeru> "Yes," Aaeru responds, inclining her head briefly. "We are working as troubleshooters with Whimsical Sweets, you see, and we have been asked to locate a man who we fear might have gotten lost. His name is Gweonryn, and we believe he left through this gate towards Moonholm two-three days ago. Can the Guard help us in any fashion?"
[20:25] <Janson> "Can you describe him for the guards, Wayland?" Janson asks his blue buddy.
[20:25] <Wayland> "Tall, athletically built, very hairy." Wayland rattles off.
[20:25] <Andria> Andrea waits to see what the guards have to say, not really having anything to add yet on the questions.
[20:27] <Kotono> "Doesn't ring a bell," he answers, "See, I know him there," Jerking a thumb at Janson, "Goes through most days. But one face you see only a few times? I'll ask the others, hold on." The guardsman goes about, talking with the others, one following back with him. He's the one that speaks now, "He sounds familiar, saw him a little while ago, maybe? Couldn't tell you a day, though I think it was
[20:27] <Kotono> maybe in the morning?"
[20:28] <Aaeru> "Ah, an old man going by Ceiar was looking for him two days ago," Aaeru adds. "Affiliated with Helm, perhaps? Does that help in any way?"
[20:30] <Kotono> "Nope," With a little shake of his head, "Sorry."
[20:31] * Aaeru bows in gratitude at their efforts. "Thank you for your help."
[20:32] <Janson> "Ah well, on to the temple? Maybe Ceiar got lucky ahead of us, anyway?" Janson suggests, heading through the gate.
[20:32] * Wayland nods. "Hopefully."
[20:34] <Kotono> "The Church of the Ever Vigilant is located in the southern reaches of the Old City. The old stone building is as much a fortress as a chapel, well worn. Outside the entrance two men in full armor stand watching guard. The gates are open; inside you can see a chapel interior - pews and a carpeted walk to an altar.
[20:35] <Janson> There's no need to go inside when one can just ask a guard! "Excuse me," Janson greets them, "We're looking for a man called Ceiar who we think might be affiliated with your church?"
[20:35] <Andria> "This place looks almost more armoried than the guards' place..." Andrea mutters under her breath, shaking her head.
[20:37] <Kotono> "Father Ceiar," The man's gaze is relentless, "He sitting in the pews near the altar."
[20:38] <Aaeru> "Thank you!" Aaeru says, proceeding inside.
[20:39] * Janson echoes Aaeru's thanks before entering the cathedral, looking for the man in question.
[20:39] <Kotono> Within are soldiers of Helm, worshipers and the lay people. The business of Helm's church is a busy one. At the altar a stern faced young man preaches of duty to a small crowd sitting in the pews. At the front one you can see an old, bald man sitting. His posture is still upright despite the obvious burdens of age, his head wrinkled and liver-marked.
[20:39] <Wayland> Nodding at the guard, Wayland steps inside.
[20:41] <Janson> "Lets wait till the end of the sermon?" Janson suggests quietly, thinking an interruption won't endear them to him and choosing a seat near the back.
[20:41] * Aaeru looks for an empty space next to the old man to sit and wait for the sermon's end.
[20:41] <Kotono> The front pews are mostly full, but there's a space near Ceiar. All that's between him and that space is a younger man in armor, head bows as he listens.
[20:42] <Aaeru> That's hardly ideal, and Aaeru settles for whatever seat she can find in the front without disturbing anyone.
[20:44] * Wayland takes a seat further back so he can keep an eye on the place.
[20:46] <Andria> Andrea just takes a seat near Janson.
[20:48] <Kotono> Sitting down you are able to hear the sermon. "...For there are always new menances lurking. Danger comes from many ana ngle, only by rigid vigilance can safety and security be assured! Blessed be the guardsman who's sharp eyes sees coming disaster! Guided is the scout who notices an ambush in the waiting! Apply this to your normal life - for the Great Watcher gives his blessings to those who
[20:48] <Kotono> obey." At this the sermon seems to finish, people rising up. Father Ceiar is slow to rise, each movement careful.
[20:50] * Janson can at least relate to the observant scout, but he's mostly relieved they just caught the end and didn't have to stick around too long. Getting up, he approaches the presumed target, "Father Ceiar?" he asks to confirm the man's identity.
[20:50] <Aaeru> "This was interesting," Aaeru says, making her way towards the priest. "So does every service to Helm end with a call for vigilance in a combat situation of some sort?"
[20:51] <Kotono> "Hm?" With a polite smile at Janson as Aaeru speaks, "Many such do, for in watchful attention can calamity be averted. I am Father Ceiar," His voice is still strong, if a little bit raspy.
[20:52] <Janson> "I'm Janson and that's Aaeru, we're from Whimsical Sweets," Janson explains, offering his hand out. "We heard you were looking for a man named Gweonryn, and we are as well, so we were wondering what luck you'd had."
[20:53] <Aaeru> "It's an interesting outlook, though I wonder if it doesn't make one too guarded to enjoy life," Aaeru muses. "Ah, but philosophy should come after business of a sort, I suppose?"
[20:54] <Kotono> Janson's hand is taken, a reasonably firm grasp, "Business...let's go talk somewhere quieter?"