Rising
Knight
A constable has informed you of a bounty offered for
the capture of a raiding gnoll named Gritznak. You find
yourselves on the road to Malforten in search of
fame, fortune, adventure, treasure and even, incidentally, Gritznak.
Characters:
Hoarfrost Rugarth: As
a half orc child, was beaten by family for his
ugliness, resulting in great scars on face. Once while being beaten in
public, an abbot from a local monastary rescued him
and took him in. This happened at the age of 9. He has since been
trained to look for the balance in the world about him and the goodness that
comes from that. He is shy and very leary of
people. Slow in trusting, but a steadfast friend to those that do win his
trust. Keeps his hood up to hide his disfigured face.
Will loosen up with wine and good company, letting his gaurd down and showing his talents to amuse those about
him. He does this by juggling various odd objects.
At age of 20, he sets out to
prove his worth upon the world that looks down upon him.
He is 5'11" 195lbs, Buzzed
black hair, Green eyes, and green tintish skin.
Loreli: Loreli is a fairly attractive female human, with a sword on her hip
and a lute on her back.
She has little time for
stories of herself, but is always in the taverns or on a rock in the square
telling tales of great heroes' of old, inspiring young and old alike with her
tales of great people and even greater deeds.
She is never too busy to
lend a hand to any who may call on her aid, and is usually seen with her long
ruby red hair tied back from her face as she helps children fetch kittens from
trees and the elderly fix up their homes after a storm.
She wears clothes of the deepest reds and blues which make her deep blue eyes
gleam from her pale, near snow white face.
Maedhros: When Maedhros
was 7, his father (Rumil) left to prepare a home on
the borders of his native woodland leaving the lad with his mother. While Rumil was away, a land baron moved into the area and began
to steal farms and land away from the local villagers. Maedhros'
mother was severly burned one evening when the
baron's men came with torches to force them out of their home. Maedhros barely escaped by horseback with his mother but
she succumbed to her injuries and did not survive the journey. When Maedhros reached adulthood he set out with Rumil to avenge the death of his mother. When they finally
caught up with them, Rumil challenged the land baron
to a single combat but was defeated due to a blade that had been poisoned. Maedhros, seeing both of his parents fall to the same man
with no other option, took upon himself the role of judge, jury, and
executioner. He fled from that encounter and after burying his father returned
to the land baron and, after sneaking into the compound where he lived,
poisoned the baron and his entire family while they slept. He now travels far
and wide in pursuit of other wrongs that need to be righted.
Maedhros
typically dresses in various shades of grey and green but he always wears a
hawk feather tied to his right sleeve as it is the mark of his father's house.
Othrik:
Othrik is a young Dwarf from Grundliche Hohle who grew up in a
family of blacksmiths. Raised from
childhood in a busy smithy, Othrik has gnarled,
powerful hands and an almost sooty complexion to his rough features. He is large for a Dwarf, with a barrel chest,
gray eyes, and a long reddish-brown beard.
Growing up hearing the legends of Dwarven
heroes of the Goblin Wars and Winter Dark Wars, his admiration for them and a
tendency to daydreaming led him to his calling as a cleric in the order serving
Grundliche Hohle’s greatest
hero: Dolgan, The Forge King.
His father is a veteran of some sort but rarely speaks of it and
never at length, preferring the quiet life of a hardworking blacksmith raising
a family. Watching his father limp with
an old wound and finding a scarred battleaxe in his wardrobe only served to
feed Othrik’s resolve to see some of the wide world
on his own before he returns to the life of the forge and settles down.
For now, Othrik has just begun
learning to call on divine magic and is eager to try his hand at
adventuring. His training at arms is
basic, but swinging a heavy blunt weapon with great force and accuracy is no
great challenge to one who has spent decades in front of an anvil.
Sha-Gra:
Introduction:
Date: The
first of Erstdain, Year 1097md (Millenial
Dark) or 13285df (Dwarf Year)
Location: On the
It’s up to you if you want to have known each other or
have met in answer to the bounty on the gnoll.
OOC: I vote that we met in response to the reward notice
and we know only what has been posted in the introductions. Any
objections?
I'm fine with whatever everyone else wants.
Othrik shrugs his wide shoulders, adjusting
the large pack and battleaxe strapped to his back.
Unconsciously
tugging at his long auburn colored beard, the Dwarf surveys his new companions
as they trudge along the road. Any glance his direction is answered with a
broad grin.
Taking in
their surroundings, he continues to watch for a well or clean, running water
nearby. He is constantly aware of the empty flask he carries and knows he will
feel much better once it is full of blessed water.
Under his hood, Hoarfrost glances at his
new companions. He is impressed with the dwarf’s physique and marks him as one
not to cross. The female’s wardrobe of red and blues pleases him. He remains
silent, aware, listening. Walking with staff in hand, he seems at peace.
Walking along beside her newfound
companions, Loreli can't help but wonder of what
stories they have from their individual travels. On the road she will tell them
any tales she has heard of Gritznak.
Loreli leads Legend by his reins, for most of the time,
offering that should anyone grow weary they may rest awhile and ride him.
The
Malforten lies in the East March. This frontier region is
known to be open to raiders, bandits and other nefarious creatures who fear no
retribution from the West; so many villainous malcontents and upstarts thus
come here to raid and, with each passing success, act with ever more audacity.
The
with thatched roofs are huddled closely together on the
upper banks of the
Cattle graze fretfully even further afield. Amongst the cattle and fields are several herdsmen
who call out sharp warnings in the direction of Malforten
when you approach, while their large cow-dogs howl and bark guardedly.
Before
reaching the first of the houses in Malforten, a bell
in the town is rung by someone.
"Let's keep our pace, no need to make them think we are
here to do them harm. We can just go in, find a place to rest a moment and then
see what we can find out. If we rush things we'll most likely find them guarded
at best, hostile at worst. These poor frontier towns have been left entirely to
the wolves out here."
Loreli looks at the town and occasionally rises a hand in a friendly wave to the farmers and herdsmen
as they walk by.
Maedhros smiles grimly, "The wolves been here recently. Let us hope that we are not
mistaken for them." the half-elf continues to walk easily but from the set
of his shoulders it is apparent that he won't allow himself to be caught off
guard if anything happens.
"Aye, mismatched bands of armed
travelers are bound ta' be trouble for these folk in
many a case." Agrees the ruddy Dwarf.
He grins at
all passers-by amiably.
Hoarfrost continues to keep his eyes on
the road ahead; "People who work the earth. Simple needs and wants, as all
things should be....Let us be wary but also
accepting."
People look up, but no one seems to confront or
threaten you once you are assessed to not be bandits, at least for the
moment. Most of the folk appear to be
farmers or cattle men. The largest
building in town has a sign identifying it as the “Empty Flagon.”
"Shall we head to the tavern, that is the most likely of
places to find some good stories and learn more of
what troubles these folks. Besides I'm sure we could all use a little something
to was the dust from our throats."
Loreli smiles and looks for a stable behind the tavern or a
place to lash him out front.
"A cold mug will suit me fine"
replies Othrik.
"I'd rather go to find some
information about our fugitive. From our welcome in this town, I suspect there
is some good information to gather."
"Strong drink'll
loosen a man's tongue like nothing else" replies Othrik,
licking his lips. "I promise to keep my ears open whilst I wet my whistle.
A quick pint, then; we're sure to find folks with a
story or two."
"Yes, I could use some rest and
drink. We should be able to get to know the locals and their culture...not to
mention their wine....at the Flagon." A grin and a nod
to the dwarf.
Hoarfrost
takes one glance around before heading off to The Empty Flagon.
The tavern is relatively empty, with a barkeep serving
what appears to be early lunch to some few villagers who’s
morning work has already been completed.
They all look startled at seeing armed individuals in their quiet
village, evidenced by their lingering stares at your armor and weapons.
The
barkeep walks down to the entrance end of the bar. “Good day to you,
strangers. What can I get you?”
"A pint of ale and a bit of whatever these fine folks
are having would be great. We've been on the road for a bit and could use a
good sit. Do you happen to have a stable or a water trough? My horse is
probably just as tired and hungry."
Loreli finds a place to sit near a corner facing as many of
the midday patrons as possible. After getting settled and putting her pack on
the ground by the table she pulls the lute from her back and begins to play
softly.
"Would
any of you like to hear a tale?" She asks the townsfolk warmly with a
smile on her face.
A
late description of the tavern: The Empty Flagon is a single story wood structurewith a thatch roof. The front of the building is a large common
room with a dirt floor, stone foreplace and a single
bar. Numerous tables are spaced absout the room.
The innkeeper with bright yellowish-blonde hair, which
flows long and unbraided down his shoulders, pours an ale
and brings a plate of food to Loreli. That’ll be 11 copper, if you please.” He snaps his fingers and a young boy appears
from behind a swinging door. “The lad here’ll take care of your horse. We don’t charge extra for that,” he winks.
The
brew is not the best to be had, nor even really good, but the potato flapjacks
and sausage links are delicious.
Within
minutes a group of individuals enters the Empty Flagon. “Ahhh, the
mercenaries, I’ll warrant,” states one of them in a slow voice. He is a human, tall and thin with a thick beard
and shoulder length, braided hair and he walks with a slight limp. He is wearing a chain hauberk, medium shield,
longsword and holding a glaive. “I am Eryl the Hoskin, militia leader of Malforten. This is Amanda Rhyan,
Paish of Wenafar,” he
indicates a female human wearing scale mail, shield and dagger and carrying a
staff. “This is the wizard, Blodwyn Lycharn,” he indicates a
female human wearing
an ermine cloak and two daggers and carrying a staff. “And this is Griffry
the Hat, priest of Corthain,” he points out a human
male in scale mail, wearing a ring and carrying a mace. “Welcome to Malforten. I assume you are here in answer to my
petition to the lords of Outremere. I must tell you, the townspeople are not
entirely excited about the prospect of angering Gritznak
and fear the consequences of a failed raid, so you can understand my
concern.” He is carefully sizing up each
member of the party as he slowly speaks.
“We have no idea where Gritznak is encamped,
other than north of town along the Drunderry or
perhaps in the Fallow Hills. Once you
have killed and proven the death of Gritznak, I will
give you a ring that needs presenting to a lord in Outremere
for compensation. You may feel free to
speak to our townsfolk, but I cannot guarantee their reactions. Have you any questions?”
"Only two from me. Do you know the approximate size of Gritznak's
band? When was the last time they raided the village?" says Maedhros from his position against the wall.
“Gritznak has been seen in
the past with between 4 and 8 goblins, but of late he no longer raids. Some time ago Gritznak
changed his tactics from raiding to demanding tribute. This has been going on for many months
now. Tribute is left and taken, and we
are left in peace, if not oppression.”
"A mug of wine for me,
barkeep" mumbles Hoarfrost. He looks over the greeting party and notes
their weapons and armor. "Surely a group as well suited as yourselves can
handle this villain, why the call for help. Is he so cunning?" He eases
his hood back, noting reactions.
The tavernkeeper says,
“Please, call me Kerrywyn. My name is Kerrywyn
the Yellow. And I’m afraid I don’t have
wine; only the ale.”
Those
assembled gasp as Hoarfrost exposes his face.
Eryl bows, “I am sorry for our reaction. We have never seen a half-orc
before. Please forgive us. We are the elders of the village, and have
many affairs to look after, including the safety from other bandits and
day-to-day concerns of Malforten. I don not hink I am
over-stating our importance to say that should one of us fall,
the blow to the village would be severe.
These are simple folk who are carving out a life in a place that does
not have the support of the Lords that more civilized lands enjoy. Part of the bargain of
living on a frontier. This and Gritznak is particularly massive and mean-spirited, even
for a gnoll.
He is cunning, as well. I
petitioned the Lords of Outremere for troops. I was rebuffed, and they came up with a
bounty as a solution. It will have to
do, I suppose.”
"A raid by any other name, but have it your way.
When was the last time you left the 'tribute'?" Maedhros
says, his voice growing sterner with each word.
“It has been some weeks, and we have not heard more
from Gritznak, although that in itself is not unusual
as the tributes were usually monthly.”
"An ale for me too then barkeep, if you would."
Asks Othrik.
Kerrywyn brings Othrik a cup of ale
for 1 copper piece.
"Ale for me then Kerrywyn"
sighs Hoarfrost, as he, as usual ingnores
the reactions.
"Sir Eryl, how do you pay tribute? What? Where
and who?" with a glance at Maedhros.
"Maedhros, I agree, tis a raid on
these simple folks coffers and way of life. This must be stopped"
Kerrywyn brings Hoarfrost a cup of ale for 1
copper piece.
Eryl
replies, “Usually supplies, what gold we can scrape together and odds and ends
are left just outside town. They’re gone
the next morning.”
"So you know only the general direction
of where his camp may be? Would it be possible for us to get a rough map of the
area? Nothing too in depth, but enough to keep us from
getting turned about in the wilderness?"
Loreli,
lies her lute in her lap for a moment and looks around the tavern.
"Even the
mightiest of cities all started as frontier towns trying to scratch out and
existence. Perhaps this will one day be a mighty city of it's
own."
“We have no maps but the areas hereabouts are plain to
see, with hill, water and wood, there is little chance of becoming lost.”
A robed man enters the tavern... not much taller than the
average peasant, and its obvious from his frame he's not one to overly feast...
he is not menacing in any sense of the word, yet he moves with a sense of
purpose. His cloth is of grey-blue and reminds one of the natural tones of a
sky turning from a peaceful blue, to the ominous bluish grey clouds of
impending rains. His hair is of dusty wheat in the field, and his eyes are of a
lighter variety of green.
Calmly he
moves to the barkeep, and requests a place to sit with deference and respect as
an unknown traveler should... He also requests a simple farmer's meal of bread,
cheese, and fresh farm vegetables along with cool water to quench his thirst.
Othrik finishes a long sip from of ale and
turns to the newly arrived stranger.
"Good day
friend." he says, wiping froth from his beard with the back of his hand
and hoisting his mug towards the man.
"You must be here to help with the
bounty, as this is off the path for random travellers.
You move to carefully to be a farmer, not armed enough to be a soldier. Come
sit, join us, tell us your tale."
Loreli pulls a chair out from the table.
Kindly but carefully the offer to sit is
accepted.
"I
understand you are travelers as well... you certainly do not blend with
peasants and farmers, anymore than I do. However, I am not here for a bounty as
you call it. I am Sha-Gra, and my allegiance is to
the Great Oak in the Formidwood. I travel for Him and
seek knowledge and growth so that I may become a better servant through my
research in the greater world. Perhaps you can tell me of your plans to travel
further. If our fates should intertwine, then I would be grateful and willing
to accompany you. This of course if you find I can be of assistance to your
goals as well. Tell me more of this bounty you seek..."
Sha-Gra sips a cool mouthful of water, and then tears at a
piece of oat crusted bread while he quietly listens to the adventurers' plans.
"Greetings Sha-Gra",
says a ale-sipping Hoarfrost
"If you seek knowledge, then I
advise you to seek it elsewhere. We are embarking on a mission to take a life,
so that others may have theirs. If you still want to come with us, be
warned." growls Maedhros from his chair, not
looking up at the stranger.
Sha-gra is a bit startled by the directness of
the hooded figure (Maedhros). He's tries not to show
it, though it probably does show through in his eyes.
"Perhaps
there is knowledge to be found in an honorable deed... tell me more about who
it is that must to die, to save the lives of many..."
Othrik sits quietly drinking his ale and
watching everyone in the tavern carefully, though with an open and cheerful
expression.
"We are pursuing a gnoll, goes by the name of Gritznak, he has been
forcing the people of this village to give him a monthly ransom for their
safety. Since the villagers cannot or will not move against him, one of their number found the courage to send out for help. And so we
have arrived."
Loreli looks at Maedhros
a bit startled by his abrupt manner. "There is knowledge to be found in
all things, life, death, a simple stroll by a brook, all may teach you. Right
now we set out to learn from fighting and killing, it may not be the noblest of
paths, but for these villagers we are all they have to hope on. That makes this
cause noble enough for me. Peace is a fine goal, but the world in which we live
is not a peaceful one. We can only strive to make it one. Learning to fight for
life and safety is still learning. And, unlike many things which you may pick
up a parchment and read about and gain some understanding, however small, fighting
for life and the safety of those around you... you can only learn by
doing."
Loreli takes a small sip of her ale and looks at the new
comer.
"Sha-Gra, you are more then welcome to join us
in our travels. There are many things in this world to learn, and for a time perhaps
you were meant to learn with us."
After a few
moments Loreli pulls the lute from her lap and begins
to play a jaunty tune of great victories.
Hoarfrost takes a deep drink from his
mug and calls for another mug of ale. He leans back and smirks at the
conversations going back and forth, and enjoys the music coming from the
lute........
"Your subtle voice commands my
respect my lady...
I have no
horse or pony for this quest. Do we journey long and far? Perhaps we could
negotiate with those who give the bounty to aid us in preparations and provide
steeds for our journey? I think this is quite fair in exchange for our risk,
along with said bounty."
"Nay, the journey will hardly take us
from this village. The wolves of the world are upon their door, we have but to
step into the night and we will undoubtedly find our goal with little
trouble."
At this Eryl pipes up. “I am afraid there has been some
misunderstanding. The bounty comes, not
from Malforten, but from the Lords of Outremere. We are a
poor village. Therefore please believe
me when I say we can sore afford to give up anything ourselves.” He leans in a bit, “especially with the
opinion of some folks that things are better left as
they are. His eyes go just a little
cold. “It would be difficult to justify
exchanging one type of banditry for another.”
Eryl seems to soften a bit again. “Kiint the Leper
knows the area passing well.”
"I understand Eryl... I
have no interest in forced transactions with these common men and women... and
it seems from Loreli's words, that our journey begins
right outside these tavern walls.
Where can we
find this Kiint? It seems we should consult him if we
mean to take to this task with some type of direction."
Turning to the
rest of the group "Shall we go see him?"
Eryl tells you, “Kiint lives in
a shack made of driftwood and bramble by the river. You cannot miss it. If not there he’s most likely hunting
gazelle.”
"I
agree, we should seek out this Klint to get a feel of
the area." nods Hoarfrost
Othrik sets another copper piece on the bar.
"Thank
you kindly for the hospitality friend." he says to Kerrwyn.
"Before
we be off, could I bother you t' fill this flask with water for me?"
Othrik holds a plain flask in his hand.
Kerrywyn fills Othrik’s flask with a
pint of water.
Eryl stands. “Should
you have need of me, my farmhouse is just outside of town. Blodwyn lives in
the broad house near the Flagon. Amanda
is most often out an about or at the Shrine of Wenafar
on the outskirts of town. . Should you need healing, seek out Griffry,
he has a well-made wooden house near the edge of town.”
Exiting
the Flagon you notice that, directly across from it is a small log building
with a metal grate over the door. In the
rear is a large, dying oak tree with an old, frayed rope hanging from it. As you leave to find Kiint,
you pass a small house with a herd of cows being tended by a man who watches
your group carefully. In fact,
everywhere you look you see intent faces looking in your direction. There is a 1-room house nearby which stand
some cattle. Another farmer’s face
watches you from there. Another house
has some rather thin cattle outside, but no sign of anyone tending them. There is a house with large pens behind it,
filled with howling and barking dogs.
Near to that is a house with a few cattle and a vegetable garden tended
by a strong-looking man with one leg.
His eyes show a hopeful curiosity as he watches the party pass. What appears to be a trading store bears the
name “The Rope and Barrel” and a grizzled old man with a large unkempt beard
sits in a rocker on its porch, spitting tobacco. From an abandoned house on the edge of town
you catch a glimpse of someone warily watching your passage.
Sha-gra begins to casually pat down his belongings, wondering if
he needs to stop at the trading post.
"Does
anyone need goods at the trading post?" He mutters aloud.
"I think
I am good for now."
"I can't carry another copper, us
short-legged folk are slow as it is." says Othrik.
"Once we're
clear of the townspeople, I'd like t' bless this water. If I put it off, we'll
well regret when we need it."
We can assume that Othrik
blesses the water without anyone noticing.
"These townspeople make me uneasy. Some of them
could well think that they are better under the protection of this Gritznak than rid of it and we made no secret of our
mission. The faster we get out of town the better." mutters Maedhros as he steps just a little bit faster down the
road.
"People fear the unknown, it is their nature.
A bandit this Gritznak may be, but he is a known
peril to them, if he falls away there is no telling what may step up in his
place. Once we finish this mission and rid the area of Gritznak,
our job is not finished; we will need to show these people a better way. This
area is good, it can be made defensible, but they do not have the knowledge of
how to do it, we should show them before we leave."
You reach the shack that is the home of Kiint the Leper.
There stands an ugly man in leather armor testing a longbow. An axe is in his belt. He is clearly afflicted with a horrible
disease. “What do you want?” He calls
out.
"We were wondering if you could point us in the
direction of Gritznak's camp. We have some ...matters
to discuss with him..."
Kiint goes back to checking his bow. “Don’t know where his camp is. Now if yer lookin’ ta hire a guide or
tracker, that’s a different story.”
Hoarfrost, with hood down, nods a greeting at Klint and looks around warily.
Sha-gra turns his head subtlely
to the group and quietly says
"Of
course, money always decides..." A subtle grin comes over his face.
"I think
we have to negotiate, or we'll simply be wandering around... let's see how much
this will cost us"
Turning back
to Kiint he speaks aloud...
"Ok, we
may be looking for such services... what does a quality guide or tracker cost
in these parts?"
“Well, if the company’s friendly, a gold piece a day
should cover it. We can start with the
"Well I can tell a good tale to make the travel go by
quicker, and from wha I have seen I think we are
pretty good company. A gold a day sounds fair enough
as do you conditions on travel. My names Loreli, very pleased to meet you Klint."
Loreli pulls a gold from her pack
and holds it out for Klint.
"I'm not sure of what positions we
should all take, but I will gaurd the rear, if it
pleases the group....but only if our bards fine voice carries to my ears"
(ooc-Marching order anyone?)
Kiint reaches out a leprous hand, gauging your reactions
(much as Hoarfrost tends to do.) He
snatches the coin from Loreli’s hand, snickers and
says, “Right! You have yourselves a
guide. I can’t guarantee I’ll know where
to find what you’re looking for, but maybe I can keep you out of more trouble
than you want. We’ll start by heading up
to The Craggy Ridge, ‘bout a mile north of town. We can get a decent view of the river valley
from up there. Come on, then!” Kiint heads off,
slinging his bow across one shoulder.
It
takes you an hour to get there, as you have to travel slower for Maedhros and Sha-Gra to keep up.
From
up here you see the
On
the east bank of the river runs an old imperial road. Most of the road has been covered beneath
sand or washed away entirely.
About
twenty miles to the north can be seen large cottonwood trees growing along the
banks of the river.
Kiint says, “Nothing would be hiding in the Elenor Plains, so I suggest we head north.”
Loreli, only smiles as Klint takes the coin,
as they walk she sings quiet songs of great
discoveries and exploration.
When they stop
for a moment and Klint makes his suggestion on the
path they should take, Loreli speaks up.
"Lead the way, Master Klint, you know these
lands better then we."
Kiint leads you all day along the west bank of the Drunderry and, other than small game, you see no one
else. This could be that, at times and
without much apparent reason, the leper leads you away from the river around
obstacles you had no reason approaching.
If asked why, he simply says, “trust me.” As the sun begins to grow heavy in the sky he
bids you halt and sets each of you a task in preparing camp. The spring weather is fine and clear and he
leaves you to your chores, only to return a remarkably short time later with a
small gazelle draped over his shoulders.
He informs you he will prepare it, as he really only likes his own
cooking. After you eat the delicious
meal he prepares, you can see why.
The
next day, the 2nd of Erstdain, you head
out once more. Again, nothing and no one
disturbs your progress, and again Kiint occasionally
follows a trail only he can see, if even that.
As
the shadows grow long, you find yourself approaching the massive cottonwood
trees you saw from the Craggy Ridge. As
you approach you hear the whisper of voices.
In fact you hear the whisper of voices quite nearby. The unsettling occurrence has you confused,
but you feel more confused than the situation warrants, but are unable to
pinpoint the reason why.
The
voices stop as suddenly as they started, and a single small pixie appears from
out of nowhere, fluttering directly in front of Maedhros. The small creature has finely crafted
weapons, including a tiny bow. It bows
on the air, it’s wings fluttering almost too fast to
see as it says, “we have read your thoughts and determined you to be good, if
not curious beings. You,” the creature
points at Maedhros, “are almost fairy, but removed
somehow. We know what you seek and have
information that may be of use to you.
You are invited to stay within our trees this evening. If you agree, you will be introduced to our
queen.”
Loreli looks to Klint to see his reaction
to the pixie creatures, and searches her own memory for any mention of these
beings.
After a moment
Loreli speaks "Thank you for your kind offer, it
is most generous."
Kiint shrugs his shoulders.
"The circumstances of my life have led me away from
this place where my heart yearns to be. In a happier day, I would have been
something more familiar to you. But such as I am, I will accept your
hospitality with extreme gratitude." says Maedhros
in a sorrowful, far off sound in his voice as he returns the pixie's bow.
"I will meet your queen."
Hoarfrost looks at Maedhros,
then back at the small fluttering creature. He takes an uneasy stance. "Is
this invitation for Maedhros only, as I hope, or is
it for all of us? I am not sure if I want to walk in your whispering
wood."
The creature addresses Maedhros. “Your friends are welcome as well. None of you need fear anything.”
Sha-gra bows to show returning courtesy to our unexpected tiny
guest.
Quietly he
awaits the reaction to Hoarfrost's question of which is also dwelling in his
own mind.
"I will accept your generous offer, we
would be most greatful for any information you have
that could help us in our quest."
Sha-gra nods in agreement with Loreli's words...
"Let us
rest with our most gracious hosts for the evening."
"I will go with my friends, but
excuse my manner, you wee folk are new and strange to my eyes." mumbles
Hoarfrost, looking around with squinted eyes.
"Mine as well Hoarfrost, although
I've heard the tales numerous times as young boy... it is certainly special for
us to be found by these wee folk... perhaps it is a sign of significance on our
journey."
Othrik's natural distrust of fey creatures sets
his skin crawling as he watches the tiny being flit about.
"Where do
we enter your wood then, wee friend?" He asks.
He carefully
eyes his companions, uncomfortable with their eagerness to enter the strange
woods.
You are brought into the heart of the cottonwood trees
and there are feasted and entertained by the pixies. You are introduced to their queen and she
commends your bravery for traveling through the lands. She asks if you have met Amanda Rhyan, Paish of Wenafar of the human settlement. She has many words of admiration for this
individual.
The
folk tell you of the location of an old
You
wake in the morning, refreshed and comfortable. There is no sign of the folk
around and the only memories of conversation you have are those concerning your
immediate task.
Loreli wakes up and begins breaking down camp.
"Shall we
head out that tower seems like a place well worth checking out. This was a
great spot for making camp, well found Master Klint."
Othrik wakes with the sun, relieved that his
fears were unfounded. After attending to his morning devotions, he helps break
camp.
Chewing on a
tough bit of dried meat from his rations, he replies "Agreed, agreed,
sounds promising."
Sha-gra looks to the ground touching the dirt
with his leather clad feet and pushing a few dried leaves around. He listens to
the words of Othrik...
"I agree
as well... this tower sounds like something of interest... hopefully it is our
specific interest!"
Turning to Kiint: Sha-gra
asks, "What say you, Kiint?"
"The
tower does sound interesting, brigands are always looking for ways to increase
their power and ancient relics are easily exploitable."
Kiint looks uneasy.
“Aye, that’d be the most logical place to check. But my arrangement; I warned you I would not willingly go
into the Fallow Hills. I’ll give you the
best directions I can, but I would prefer not to enter those hills myself. Guiding’s one
thing. Fighting’s another.”
"As was agreed, will you guide us to the edge of the
hills then, and we shall continue on our own from there?"
“Oh, aye, of course,” your guide
replies. And you set out. What are Othrik’s
spells, considering he can replace his bless water spell?
Lvl 0: Detect Evil, Detect Magic, Detect
Poison
Lvl 1: Cure Light Wounds (x2)
You travel for the day and make camp for the
night. Once more Kiint
provides the meal and the Drunderry provides the
water. Nothing unusual occurs.
During
your travels the next day, Erstdain the 4th,
you come across a large, hairy humanoid.
Kiint and Othrik
notice it before the others and they seem to have caught it by surprise. Kiint mutters,
“Bugbear. Nasty
beasts.”
We
are in initiative order. Kiint and Othrik each get a
surprise round action. Order for the
first round will be:
Kiint, Loreli, Maedhros, Hoarfrost, the
bugbear, Sha’Gra and Othrik.
Please
send me a message of your general intent for the next three rounds of combat.
It should be as inclusive as possible to cover any possibility you can think
of.
Also
specify your character's combat mode for that three-round
period:
* Conservative
melee: The character closes for melee combat but does so cautiously, ensuring
he does not expose himself to unnecessary risks. He will quickly retreat if
things seem too dangerous.
* Standard
melee: The character engages in melee, not taking any excessive risks, but not
in a particularly cautious manner either.
* Aggressive
melee: The character rushes into battle, attacking regardless of risk to
personal injury.
* Defensive.
The character avoids melee combat completely, retaliating only when attacked.
* Ranged: The
character relies on ranged weapons and stays out of melee, if possible.
* Magic
Defensive: The character casts spells only to protect himself
in an emergency.
* Magic
standard: The character casts spells as and when the situation dictates but
with regards to economy, taking care not to use up all his spells.
* Magic
aggressive: The character uses magic liberally, regardless of economy.
Othrik will attack during his surprise round (battle axe).
If nobody is
seriously wounded, he will attack at the next opportunity also. Otherwise he
will attempt to tend to the wounded with bandages (if at 0 HP and bleeding) or
Cure Light Wounds.
Standard Melee
Surprise
Round
Kiint knocks an arrow and fires at the creature, missing.
Othrik moves towards the bugbear
Cautious melee
OOC
been looking forward to this all week
Round
1
Kiint fires again, and misses again.
Loreli yells a shout of encouragement and spurs her horse
forward, drawing her longsword and charging the
bugbear, but she misses (15 rolled).
Maedhros approaches.
Hoarfrost
advances carefully on the bugbear.
The
creature draws a sword and strikes at Loreli’s swordhand, but misses.
It snarls, it’s cruel features approximating a
smile.
Sha-gra slowly advances towards the battle.
Othrik attacks the bugbear from a flank (15 rolled) but
misses.
Round 2
Again
Othrik attacks, (18 rolled) his battle axe biting
into the bugbear for 4 points of damage.
The
bugbear turns it’s attention to Othrik,
but fails in it’s attempt to disarm the cleric.
Maedhros maneuvers behind the bugbear.
Hoarfrost
attacks from the other flank and misses (7 rolled.)
Kiint waits for a chnce to get a
shot off without potentially hitting a party member.
Loreli strikes down (18 rolled) slashing the bugbear for
another 4 points of damage.
Sha-Gra continues to advance.
Round
2
Maedhros attacks the bugbear, now from its flank (5 rolled)
but misses.
Hoarfrost
is now behind the creature and attacks, (16 rolled) dealing 4 points of damage
with his staff and bringing the bugbear down.
Each
party member earns 10 XP. Searching the
creature finds its longsword, but nothing else.
Hoarfrost looks up from the fallen foe, and glances
around to make sure no other enemies are lurking about.
"Our
first taste of the evil what has infested this wildland.
We expect more, the further we go." He looks at the blood shed, and lowers
his head.
Othrik is visibly shaken from his first ever
combat outside of training. He looks at Hoarfrost, trying to reconcile his
racial hatred of Orcs with his respect for his
companion.
"Aye, you
speak the truth."
Looking around
the party he asks "It seems we're all unharmed?"
Sha-gra pulls a bit of his robe over his face to mask himself
from the foul Bugbear stench...
"They
smell much worse than the stories I've been told... I should pray we don't see
another like this... we must take caution as his kin may come looking for him,
and soon after us!"
"I
suggest we make haste for the tower."
The 5th of Erstdain
proves unremarkable for your travels. On
the morning of the 6th, Kiint points
across the
"Thank you for your services thus far, they have
been most welcome." replies Maedhros.
"And safe travel to you also, my
friend" nods Hoarfrost to Klint.
"May the gods smile upon you Kiint, thank you for your services."
It is about noon.
You have seen no one else since Kiint left
your company. Based on your rate of
travel and the top of the tower, you think you are about 6 hours away from your
destination.
Suddenly
the sun is blotted from the sky as the party is plunged into darkness. Even Othrik cannot
see anything.
Sha-gra desperately feels for the crystaline
rock he has hidden away... searching with his slender fingers he finds the
texture of the hard rock... holding it he begins to focus, and calmly chants...
"Moorahn - Tolga - Oreck... cast your light against this darkness..."
He then begins
to attempt to create an orb of light within his hands to dispel the sudden
darkness which has overwhelmed the party so suddenly.
Although Sha-Gra feels he
completed his spell correctly, there is no light created.
This is probably a good time for the CK to try and
cover up a mistake. I don’t believe I
have Sha-Gra’s prepared spells.
What has he prepared, other than light?
Othrik continues blindly in the direction of travel as quickly
as his short legs will carry him, unlimbering his battle axe as he runs.
"Tis magic to be sure, the darkness must have an end."
He calls to his companions.
The darkness seems to follow Othrik
no matter where he goes.
Maedhros will begin moving towards the sound of Sha-Gra's voice in the darkness.
Loreli silently draws her sword and waits for
whatever caused the darkness to show itself.
"Shhh. Keep your wits and try to stay together, lest we find
ourselves surrounded.
There is no sound save those you are making
yourselves.
Realizing he cannot get away from the unnatural blackness
surrounding him. Othrik
stops and stands very still, listening for his companions to make his way
towards their voices.
Hoarfrost too, moves towards Sha-gra's voice.
"Everyone to my voice, we will walk in
one direction together and see if we can find the way out of this."
Loreli holds out her hand to someone in the darkness.
"Everyone
find a hand of someone else when everyone has a hand we will move slowly in the
direction we were travelling."
Maedhros reaches out for Loreli's
hand and begins groping in the dark for other hands.
Sha-gra gently waves his left hand out in front
of him while moving towards Loreli... he keeps his
staff in his right hand gently pointed outward as well in hopes of finding his
comrades.
"I am
following you Loreli" he cries out "Keep
speaking to us, it appears we've been enveloped in some kind of dark magic...
be ready to fight!"
Loreli keeps speaking softly until everyone has
joined hands and then begins walking in the direction she was facing, moving
slowly and carefully with each step.
You all find each other and slowly and carefully
proceed. After what seems like an
interminable time, the darkness disappears as fast as it descended. The landscape seems unchanged and there is no
sign of who or what might have caused the darkness.
You
travel for approximately another half hour when a ghostly horn sounds. Loreli feels a
chill run up her spine, but no other effect.
Everyone else, on the other hand, feels panic and terror race through
their hearts and they all flee in different directions unable to control their
own actions. They run for a little over
a minute before stopping to catch their breath.
Loreli will ride to the middle of her scattered
companions and wait for them all to return.
"Well
good to see this place is going to keep us on our toes."
Hoarfrost stops running, looks around
breathing heavily. He closes his eyes, slows his breath, and breathes deep and
meaningful. Calming himself, he gathers his senses and walks back to what he
thinks is the general direction he came. "Loreli. Othrik. Sha-gra. Maedrhos...." he calls out
as he walks.
Sha-gra still full of fear finds himself hidden
in some rocks and tall clumps of grass, he threw himself into in attempt to
hide... his heart is still racing, and he isn't even sure why... he hears
Hoarfrost voice calling out to him, and begins to try and pull himself
together.
"Hoarfrost,
I'm here... it is Sha-gra... what was it... why did
we run?"
"It was some kind of spell or something, I felt it as well, but not nearly as bad. Let's
all meet up again and see if we can't press on a bit further. We just need to
stay on our toes."
Loreli waits patiently for everyone to regroup.
You re-group and press on. Nothing unusual happens for about an hour
when a pit opens up almost directly beneath Hoarfrost. Hoarfrost tumbles into
the 10-foot-deep pit (11 rolled for save) but takes no damage (16 rolled for Dex check.)
Loreli will dismount and try to help Hoarfrost up.
"As I
said it will keep us on our toes."
"Whoever or whatever is here
certainly doesn't seem to want company."
You cannot reach him with enough leverage to pull him
up by just reaching down. Even laying down your fingertips just touch.
"Does anyone have some rope? I can't reach."
Dusting himself off, Hoarfrost speaks up
"If no one has a rope, we could try and use my cloak"
"I have some cord, but I doubt it
will hold your weight." says Maedhros, as he
drops his backpack getting ready to help pull Hoarfrost out of the pit.
With the help of the others, and using his cloak,
Hoarfrost is able to make it up out of the pit.
Are any other arrangements made before travel resumes?
Loreli dismounts from her horse and guides him,
a fall into a pit could have ended far worse for a horse and rider.
"Very strange this pit is..."
Sha-gra carefully inspects it from the edge; kneeling and
running his hands gently along the earth... all the while looking to see if
this was pre-dug, or if it was perhaps some magical incarnation.
"Between
the strange blackness that enveloped us, and now this pit, I sense we are either
being closely watched, or we have drawn very close to grave danger without
knowing it."
"It makes
me weary of what we should do next."
OOC: What do
we see about us Dungeon Master?
Ahh, It’s Castle Keeper here! (just
kidding). This is definitely nit a pit
dug by hand. The edges are too smooth,
the dimensions too exact. It appears to
be a result of magic.
You
see around you the Fallow Hills. Nothing
seems amiss save what you have experienced.
Othrik looks Hoarfrost over quickly looking for obvious injuries.
"You seem unharmed Hoarfrost."
Turning to the
others "Sha-gra speaks truthfully, it seems we
are expected."
Shielding his
eyes, he looks at the sun, then the tower "It will be near dark when we
arrive."
"I feel like we are quite helpless
against this magic following us, but Othrik is
right... we must continue on to our goal...the hours get later regardless of
our circumstance... Let us prepare for dark things."
Hoarfrost brushes himself off and dons
his cloak once more. "Thank you my friends." He looks around and
calmly breathes deeply through his nose. (Uses his Enhanced
Sense of Smell).
Hoarfrost smells nothing but late afternoon air.
You
continue on. Again, about an hour passes
when, out of thin air, a large flying snake appears before the party. It circles you out of melee range and says in
the Vulgate, “I warn you not to go further.”
It says nothing else, regardless of what you do or say.
What
do you do?
"Well, we must, warnings or no. Let us press on, though
be on guard, now that we have been warned whatever has thus far been causing
mere inconveniences may take a more hostile approach."
The creature says, “Very well. Then suffer the curse of Kuthrad Ondal.” The creature disappears.
You
press on and, just before you reach the tower you notice and odor coming from
your packs. Upon checking you realize
that all your food has rotted.
Othrik strokes his beard thoughtfully and looks over the food.
"I may be able to salvage our stores, don't toss 'em
out."
"I'll
need rest, though, and time for prayer."
As it is almost dark and you are almost at the tower,
I assume you continue the remaining short distance to it.
The
ruins are a jagged and stark white series of crumbling walls and abutments in
the center of which remains a tall thin tower stretching some fifty feet into
the sky. A blue light glows from the
center of the tower remains. Nothing
remains in the center of the tower save for crumbling stones and bones. The blue light originates from the few
remaining flagstones at the center of the tower.