The Golden Quill

For out-of-game events, wrapping up in-game adventures and rumours.
Ostheim
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The Golden Quill

Postby Ostheim » Fri Jan 29, 2016 12:16 am

When not out getting interesting new flesh wounds in her search for lore and forgotten treasures, or getting smashed drunk at the Crowning Glory, Wynna Blackwing can often be found spending her time engaging in part-time work at the Golden Quill, a local business in South Sarshel that caters to the selling of books and scribing materials. Studious in her work, she spends most of her time there arranging scrolls and parchment for ease of customer access, all the while politely engaging with Samere, the owner, in spirited discourse about the history of the town. When permitted to, she does quite the same with customers who come in, assuming they are too of a scholarly inclination.

One might assume that she is in the process of molding the humble shop into an outlet for discourse on local legend and lore on the surrounding area of Sarshel and deeper Impiltur, often making loud mention of the woeful lack of a decent library within the city itself. Any books she comes across, too, that seem to hold some historical significance are often presented to Samere for his examination, perhaps in the hope that the Quill might some day double as a place where one could peruse such volumes in fine company.

Regardless of her actual intent, it's clear that the young woman is intent on leaving her mark as a scholar and fashioning the store into a hub for others of similar bearing. Those who have a vested interest in learning might do well to drop in and share what they know, or ask and discover whether others know of what they seek.
Wynna Blackwing - Scholar of history, ruin delver, intrigue dabbler
Rannie Marrinson - Knight-Errant, Paladin of Sune
Teobald Grzywacz - Outentown peasant, ranger and adventurer

Ostheim
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Re: The Golden Quill

Postby Ostheim » Fri Jan 29, 2016 12:21 am

One of the first pieces of information Wynna seems intent on discovering is her puzzling over a plot of land to the south and west of Sarshel, namely the area that some locals might know as a cursed plot of land where the ruins of an old castle lies. She would chat animatedly about an outing she went on with a few fellows from town, including a pair of boisterous Eastern-looking men who confounded her with their foreign tongue. However, her main point would be the presence of an underground ruin, the remains of an estate or keep that was blighted with undead revenants. Seemingly bereft of clues as to who owned the castle or even what its name used to be, she turns to those willing to take the time to discuss it with her.

She also makes careful mention of planning to return there for clues, though off-hand mention of possible looting is also made. It's clear, though, that her main interest lies in the history of the place, should it be able to be revealed.

((viewtopic.php?f=32&t=43 for more information!))
Wynna Blackwing - Scholar of history, ruin delver, intrigue dabbler
Rannie Marrinson - Knight-Errant, Paladin of Sune
Teobald Grzywacz - Outentown peasant, ranger and adventurer

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Kilaana
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Re: The Golden Quill

Postby Kilaana » Sun Jan 31, 2016 5:18 am

As soon as Wynna is hired for a few coppers each hour, Samere puts her to work with all the dutifulness of Torm and a hawk's eye for whenever her fingers so much as brush against a piece of parchment.

"Girl, are you finished with that transcription of Saumar's Monologues? It needs to be done today, or we'll be put to shame when Passilus has nothing to say to his audience. Those books need to be rearranged according to chronological order - Dethek numbering. I won't tell you again. ....Girl, are you listening? Leave that scroll to me and return to your writing at once. Time is of essence. These texts may be older than you and I combined but a word, a thought - moves faster than the blink of an eye."

Samere's exasperation can be heard frequently during the day throughout the small shop; his disinclination to address his young helper by her given name telling of the antiquarian's fondness for the old and familiar, not the new. Wynna's youthful energy indeed seems to have breathed fresh life into the premises; for the shop was tucked away in one of the quietest corners of Sarshel, in a well-to-do neighbourhood away from the regular bustle of activity.

The Quill, with its meticulously swept storefront, as Wynna would learn (and be at the mercy of many a dusting-down) told little of what lengths the elderly Impilturan worked to maintain his small but treasured collection of lore that filled the shelves from top to bottom of a tiny backroom, often lit by a single candle into the wee hours. While Samere refuses to make material allowances for his young apprentice, their discourses would often run long into the night as both sit head to head at an old writing desk poring over parchment and script. Wynna's adventures with her Eastern acquaintances earn distinct frowns from the librarian, though the elderly gent seems disinclined to impose his own opinions of her activities upon her. A few tales are granted to the young apprentice when Samere deems her performance satisfactory - among these she would learn of one Sarshel Elethlim, the paladin-king of Tyr, Torm and Ilmater, who led the infamous Triad Crusade against the "Scaled Horde" and established the city as a refuge for those who survived the Fiend Wars. Samere speaks of this tale with an Impilturan's pride, and does not hesitate to remind Wynna of Elethlim's statue that presides over the city's square as a tribute to this memory. He also attempts to engage her in a series of charts describing the sewerage system in Sarshel's bowels, pointing out that the oldest system lies in Sarshel's South Quarter - or the Aquinicum, where the Threespires Laern is said to have been built over a set of catacombs now entirely flooded beyond hope of restoration.

On the fifth evening of Wynna's part-time apprenticeship, Samere closes the doors at the end of a trade-day and gestures her to sit. Over a mug of cider he asks if she has heard of the great library of Songhall, located in the lower slopes of the Earthspur Mountains that lie west of Sarshel. He advises her to take her enquiries there when she has the time, and warns her that the journey could take at least three days on foot.
“Violence is the mark of the amateur.” ― Garrett, Thief: The Dark Project

Kallian | Delorwyn Lle'quellas | Wilhemina Alencar | Zalika Maszim Zartusht
Cedric Lesàre


Ostheim
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Re: The Golden Quill

Postby Ostheim » Mon Feb 01, 2016 12:06 am

Though young, Wynna gives off the air of someone used to being put upon when it comes to meticulous work, and she suffers under Samere's exasperated gaze with nary an ill comment, always quick to accommodate his demands as carefully as possible. With her quick hands and capable memory for details, it's a rare occasion past the first two days that she gets anything grievously wrong.

Taking note of Samere's small bounty of lore and manuscripts within the back, Wynna does not dare request reviewing them until the old man explicitly allows her to. It's more than once that she seems to daydream aloud about the possibility of penning her own pieces of literature and history, eager as she is to go to forgotten places and document her findings. Such eagerness is rather stunted after returning to the shop, pale and unwilling to explain her battered state to him one morning. Idle inquiry would reveal that she was rather brutally slain following an outing to the ruined place she was so excited about. When spoken upon it, she attempts to laugh it off, her expression dark and grim as she mutters about trying out 'other places, first.' It's clear she's had little luck so far in uncovering any hands-on history about any ruins, with her sole outing ending in disaster.

As Samere seems to warm up to her (at least enough to start lecturing her on history), he has in Wynna a keen listener, carefully committing what she learns to her own notes for reference as soon as their talks are completed; she would not dare do so whilst engaged with him. When spoken to of Sarshel Elethlim, she would happily show off the sketch she made within her booklet of the statue in the square, complete with notations as to the inscription below. Included in the sketchbook are a number of other entries, including a picture of King Imphras the Great as depicted at the Field of Laments outside of Sarshel, along with the statue within the Tempusian shrine itself that depicts a winged figure slaying a fearsome, also winged foe. She makes idle question of whom is depicted in the second sketch, guessing that it might have to do with the Fiend War that Samere mentioned.

The third sketch proves more esoteric; a depiction of a slain man with a symbol of a black sphere on his bloodied chest. In hushed terms, she explains that she had the misfortune to be witness to the activities of a Cult within the docks district, one dedicated to the Lady of Loss Herself. Though she makes note that the cult was slain entirely at the hands of herself and several other intrepid adventurers, she expresses considerable wariness about the presence of such groups within Sarshel, making polite inquiry regarding any history behind the cult phenomenon.

In regards to the sewer system, she expresses some mild confusion over the significance of their mentioning. Her interest piques, however, at the elaboration regarding catacombs, though she looks terribly disappointed at the hearing of their flooded state. Clearly she mourns the history lost there, and it is following that conversation that she departs looking rather thoughtful.

Finally, in regards to the library, she very loudly laments the utter lack of something similar in Sarshel itself, vowing to 'rectify' that some day by her own hand if need be. That said, she profusely thanks him for the knowledge and expresses interest in making the journey in the near future, hopefully with a copied tome or two in hand for Samere's records. She seems quite eager to visit the place, though less so about the hike.
Wynna Blackwing - Scholar of history, ruin delver, intrigue dabbler
Rannie Marrinson - Knight-Errant, Paladin of Sune
Teobald Grzywacz - Outentown peasant, ranger and adventurer

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Kilaana
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Re: The Golden Quill

Postby Kilaana » Mon Feb 08, 2016 2:21 pm

Samere's austere countenance takes on an uncharacteristic concern as Wynna reveals her recent 'revival' from the dead. At first the antiquarian simply stops whatever his hands were busy with, his gaze directed at his apprentice with a look that comprises of equal parts confusion, pity, regret and a sense of outright disbelief. His lower lip begins its familiar tremble as the elderly Impilturan tries to speak, fingertips splayed uneasily on the worn tabletop, but at Wynna's next words of 'trying out other places first' seems to steal his voice away altogether.

For the rest of the day, Samere goes about his shop in silence, save for when the need arises to tend to his customers. To Wynna he says little, it would be as if she was a ghost and her presence unknown to him. To her persistent chatter about the local history and her continued ambitions to create a library in Sarshel, it is as if he is deaf to her words. To her sketches he pays barely any attention, polite if need be, but she would see that his attention was distant and his thoughts clearly elsewhere.

As the end of another workday draws to a close, Samere finally breaks his silence as he dims a candle and motions Wynna to the front door. Here he stands regarding the adventuress with an unsettled trepidation that cuts clearly through the stolid Impilturan reserve and calm.

"Miss Blackwing, " he begins, and it is a while before he can formulate the words from intent. "I will offer a prayer to the Three Gods and tithe a portion of your week's pay to the Temple in thanks for their restoration of your soul." Here his eyes look to her as though daring himself to face the task of confronting her at such proximity. "Of course, I would do so only if you are willing, though the prayer will go to the Three regardless for that is only right.

Now it pains me to say this, but on good conscience I must ask you to pack your bags and seek the consultations of a healer, both of the mind and the body. Your service with the Golden Quill is ended here." Samere folds his hands together and bows his head quietly before continuing in a stiff, regretful tone. "You are a bright child, Miss Blackwing. Curiosity and an eager spirit may have their place here, but temperance and wisdom that is needed to continue the good work of the Golden Quill is no treasure you will find here. Neither am I the one to teach you of such, Miss Blackwing. I trust you are young enough to find your own way - but in the light of recent...misfortune, my parting word to you is to seek a physician sooner than later. A sound mind requires a sound body, and may you find this with the blessing of the Three.

Farewell, Miss Blackwing, and let it be known that should you wish to return again when you are better, perhaps we may speak then."
“Violence is the mark of the amateur.” ― Garrett, Thief: The Dark Project

Kallian | Delorwyn Lle'quellas | Wilhemina Alencar | Zalika Maszim Zartusht
Cedric Lesàre


Ostheim
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Re: The Golden Quill

Postby Ostheim » Mon Feb 08, 2016 5:20 pm

For a few moments, Wynna's expression is one of abject anger and confusion, mixed into a perfectly scandalized cocktail; it's clear she wasn't expecting a 'betrayal' like this just as she was starting to warm up to the man, and he to her. She looks neatly as though she's about to start tearing pieces of parchment apart (though, honestly, she'd never stoop so low) in her anger, but, thankfully, the mood seems to flee from her swiftly, leaving Wynna looking merely dejected instead of enraged. Without even asking for her pay or instructing Samere on what to do with it, she silently grabs her things and takes her leave of the old man's shop.

For a while, she wanders through the darkened streets of Sarshel, her shoulders slumped as she stalks along, her mind racing with unpleasant possibilities.

He thinks I'm mad.

Was she? Surely not. She was confident in that. How would anything new be learned if risks were not taken? What was the point in simply reading about old places, old things, old history, if one did not see it for themselves? Ancient knowledge, artifacts, regalia and lore, all of that would fall away forever if people like her did not go and find them.

If he wished to throw her out on her ass for feeling that way, she was better off without him. Still, she could not help but feel a lump of dull pain in her chest as she made her way towards the Crowning Glory. Not simply for the knowledge she was missing out on, or his head full of knowledge; those were hurtful losses, but she'd recover from them. She was genuinely starting to enjoy working for him, was all.

And it did feel like a betrayal.

No matter. She'd find other ways. She was confident of that; she'd done it in Suzail, she'd do it here in Sarshel. Except...

Well. She'd had friends in Cormyr. Contacts. Here, she was surrounded by little more than acquaintances and fair-weather allies in adventure. She was beginning to feel terribly alone.

Her posture did not improve as she reached the inn and morosely purchased her room for the night. The prospect of having to continue to 'adventure' and kill monsters, people, take their things to sell them for scraps... would it be worth it, in the end? She had to assume it would be, lest she lose hope.
Wynna Blackwing - Scholar of history, ruin delver, intrigue dabbler
Rannie Marrinson - Knight-Errant, Paladin of Sune
Teobald Grzywacz - Outentown peasant, ranger and adventurer

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Kilaana
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Re: The Golden Quill

Postby Kilaana » Mon Feb 08, 2016 10:31 pm

Moving to a window beside the door, Samere spends a few moments watching after Wynna's departing figure. He had seen the look of anguish on her face, but that was to be expected. He thought he had done a good job of holding back his own - So many questions, so many worries all at once. How was the young woman with such an impetuous spirit to understand an old man's concerns?

In recent weeks the Quill seemed to have undergone a small golden era since Wynna's residence. He supposed her infectious enthusiasm for ancient history and architecture had sparked interest enough but when an old acquaintance of his showed up bearing a piece of parchment advertising the Quill's services in flattering terms, Samere could agree with himself even then that his boisterous apprentice wasn't in this simply for the few coppers he could afford her.

But the words of returning from the dead had changed all of that. He could forgive her for her ramblings, indeed at least some of it seemed familiar enough that he could see she still had grasp over all her faculties. With a skilled healer he was confident any lingering ailments could restore her health and turn her mind towards caution, but such hopes flew out the proverbial window when the subject of a Black Moon cult was pursued. Samere found an old fear that returned its grip to him in the dancing candlelit shadows of his study at the back of the shop in these wee hours - one that would have him tear open the wooden drawer of desk to seek solace in a simple wooden amulet bearing the combined representations of the Three.

The Quill was all that was left of his life now. And he would not risk bringing in the curses of dark gods to what he kept sacred.

To his once-promising apprentice, Samere utters a prayer beseeching Torm for protection, Tyr for guidance, and Ilmater for perserverance.

He goes to bed just as dawn awakes over Sarshel.
“Violence is the mark of the amateur.” ― Garrett, Thief: The Dark Project

Kallian | Delorwyn Lle'quellas | Wilhemina Alencar | Zalika Maszim Zartusht
Cedric Lesàre


Ostheim
Posts: 251
Joined: Sat Jan 23, 2016 5:05 am

Re: The Golden Quill

Postby Ostheim » Wed Apr 06, 2016 2:56 pm

If there was one issue Wynna had cause to complain about regarding her new home in Old Quarter, it would be that she had to pass near the Golden Quill to get there. It was already a lengthy walk to get from that quarter to her usual haunts in the city center, and the constant reminder of her former work for Samere usually left a temporary, subdued frown on the woman scholar's lips as she passed it by. Perhaps ruminating on what had happened, how she could have phrased her words better to as not seem so radical to the obviously aged proprietor. Regret and anger played hand in hand easily with her and the Quill.

Yet today was a little different. She had not cause to enter the establishment since she had been relieved of her services, only handing out coppers a few times to children to go inside and fetch her scrolls, ink and blank books for her to write in; perhaps one of them would return with an appreciation for history or the honest work of a scribe. Regardless, it was because of this that she was caught unprepared by the humble little wagon sitting outside the Quill, busy civil servants fetching furniture, books and scrolls from within the establishment. She had not sent any children forth in at least a tenday, having been thoroughly busy with research and reviewing of her stack of notes and lore from Songhall and the various places she'd been to.

It was a surprise, to say the least, one that affected her far more thoroughly than she thought she had the capacity to feel any longer for Samere and his business. The implications were obvious, that he had finally succumbed to his years, or so Wynna had thought. Having willfully kept herself out of his affairs, she truly had no idea what to assume about what was happening... but with the assortment of books and humble scrolls, the collection of lore that Samere had prided himself so much after, sitting there in a wagon like cattle to the slaughterhouse... she was compelled, of course, to approach for as many details as those workers outside were willing to impart.

(OOC: Forgive me if I've misinterpreted anything from the rumor post!)
Wynna Blackwing - Scholar of history, ruin delver, intrigue dabbler
Rannie Marrinson - Knight-Errant, Paladin of Sune
Teobald Grzywacz - Outentown peasant, ranger and adventurer

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Kilaana
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Re: The Golden Quill

Postby Kilaana » Thu Apr 07, 2016 10:27 pm

The labourers, who emerge from the tiny shophouse with the last of the load on their shoulders, seem intent on keeping up a pace before the cold grip of frost saps them of their energy as the hours lean towards dusk. They ignore the young woman who approaches to watch, lest their week's worth of effort is marked against such distraction by their superior, who stands overseeing the day's progress with quill and ledger. He too, has noticed the presence of Wynna, but rather than greeting her on sight he sets his stare on her until she is compelled to speak first.

The overseer is not one for lengthy discussion, eager to have the day done as much as his workers do. He informs Wynna that the wagon with its stacks of books and unused, fine parchment and several valuable calligraphic art are bound for Songhall. He shrugs when the questions fall to the subject of the antiquarian Samere; it seems he is just here to do his job.

As vermillion streaks through the overcast wintry sky over Sarshel, the wagon and its contents are handed over to a couple of armed men clad in the toughened leather cuirasses typical of those hired for such work. They bring along with them a sturdy mule, which makes no objection at being saddled with this load. The exchange between the men and the overseer is brief, then the wagon is on its way out of the City. The men make it clear that no one follows, for the trek up the slopes of the Earthspurs in ankle-deep snow is not a pleasant one and no amount of haggling will make them part with their confidentiality.
“Violence is the mark of the amateur.” ― Garrett, Thief: The Dark Project

Kallian | Delorwyn Lle'quellas | Wilhemina Alencar | Zalika Maszim Zartusht
Cedric Lesàre


Ostheim
Posts: 251
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Re: The Golden Quill

Postby Ostheim » Fri Apr 08, 2016 2:09 am

Hardly one to be deterred by armed men or cold weather, Wynna waits about a day before going up to Songhall herself yet again, braving the cold and the wintery climate in her pursuit of knowledge. She ends up paying a good three halanths in order to prepare for the journey, mostly for a camping kit, provisions, and enough supplies to provide enough warmth so as not to succumb to the elements. Following the road closely, one she has went up and down more than a few times under happier circumstances, what is usually a two or three day journey ends up taking four as she struggles against the elements and the Earthspurs' unpleasant climate. Her careful preparation pays off, however, and through liberal use of her tent to weather the worst gusts and nights of cold and her own winterized camouflage she finally reaches Songhall five days behind the group that made off with Samere's proverbial treasure trove.

She sets right to work.

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Songhall carries on grimly through the weather, its roads kept clear by a combination of back-breaking labor and magic helpfully provided from the magicians and scholars of the mountain town. By now desperate for a place to warm herself and have some human contact, Wynna makes right for the Thirsty Fool, very much feeling the part. There, she makes ample inquiry regarding her quarry.

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Next comes a visit to the papyrus making shop nestled in the market alley. There, she asks the proprietor of any previous interactions or insight he may have had with Samere, any clues as to his disappearance and the ultimate location of his knowledge.

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Naturally, she caps this off with a visit to the Hall of Many Tomes and the more scholarly Pavilion, desperate for insight into what may have happened to his collection and the man himself. She makes appeals to the students and any who may have noticed the shipment's arrival.

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She may not be able to divine the fate of Samere, but she seems well determined to ensure his collection does not simply fall into the clinical hands of Songhall's library, smothered under the weight of its expansive library. Despite his treatment of her, she seems to respect at least the man's dedication to her own passions.
Wynna Blackwing - Scholar of history, ruin delver, intrigue dabbler
Rannie Marrinson - Knight-Errant, Paladin of Sune
Teobald Grzywacz - Outentown peasant, ranger and adventurer


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