Thaddeus starts chatting up the locals. He congratulates them on the valor they displayed and tells them that Mersiel's light shines upon them all. I offer them healing and prayer.
Are any of the locals interested?
I'll take Shailis' deal for the medical supplies; unless you'd rather play it out, I'll just assume I'm stopping by the market at some point today and converting the remaining minor loot to 120 coins. We should probably talk about divvying loot in the OOC thread at some point.
For the moment, Belym is content to wait in the bar for Ron's return, and will ask Rigwald about what transpired outside the walls (and offer some of her freshly acquired healing supplies, if they're needed.)
The ravagers are not particularly stealthy, not that it would have mattered if they were. their tracks lead back to what was doubtless their camp. a dozen dead ravagers, and the corpses of almost as many soldiers lay strewn about the camp. no one is left alone. What do you do?
I'll need to show the others I think, I begin marking a trail by bending a branch here and there back to the edge of the woods near the northern gate. Time to head home and wait for the morning I head back to my campsite, put the coins into a locked box, and crack open the jeweled egg in my pocket to read the note from my daughter, just as I do every night. The paper is worn and old, a small sigh rings from my chest as I carefully fold it and put it back into the egg which now I hang around my neck and tuck under my clothing. Gone but never far from my heart, my loves. Come on Floyd, lets put this day behind us.
Ron bursts into the bar, and seeing Thaddeus, directs him over to where Belym and Rigwald are sitting. I've a drink poured for ye by our new friends, lad. I'll meet ye there in a moment. But first ...
Ron looks around the bar approvingly at the crowds that have come in. Tragedy always fills a tavern.
He walks up to Lorry and pulls out 350 gold coins from his sack. Fifty ought to see us fair and square on me tab from ... Well the last few weeks. And 300 me boy ... Open the good stuff and keep it flowing. This town needs to celebrate.
He leaps onto a barstool, balancing with the butt of his spear on the bar. He slams the butt of the spear onto the bar until the crowd quiets. Friends! Aye, it's a tragic loss we felt today. Four good sons of Norwhich gave their lives to save us today. But ye all knew them. Would they want you to be sad?
A few crowd members yell, No!
Ron continues more fervently. No! Tis a day to celebrate the gift they've given us! He grabs a cup from the man sitting next to him and raises it in a toast. To Marcus! To Jonrah! To Yaelin! To Tyr!
He gulps down the entire cup, as the bar joins him.
He stamps the spear again to silence the crowd. But me friends. It is also a day of heroes. For I saw with me own eyes, a woman conjure a boulder from thin air and crush a giant intent on your children! I saw a hulking man defeat a giant in single combat! I saw a brave son of Norwhich stand undaunted before four of these beasts!
He dramatically swings the spear to point at the table where Thaddeus, Rigwald, and Belym are sitting, perhaps a bit bewildered by the old man's antics. I give you the Heroes of Norwhich! Drinks and food are on the Heroes of Norwhich all night long! Go get your friends and loved ones. The party has begun.
Thaddeus heads to the tavern as well. He walks up to the bar, but realizes he has no coin on hand. Thaddeus goes to look for an empty seat.
Thaddeus starts chatting up the locals. He congratulates them on the valor they displayed and tells them that Mersiel's light shines upon them all. I offer them healing and prayer.
Are any of the locals interested?
Most of the locals seem uninterested, not many devote men in the tavern. a few are definately interested to know if your precence means the church will be lending aid to the town in the near future. a couple also seem genuinely interested in the word of Mersiel, and they sit by you at the table.
Lorry comes over to you shortly after you take your seat. "What'll you have, we go-" he stops short, a look of recognition on his face "wait, it that you? little Thaddeus, all grown up. I ain't seen you around for ages!"
what do you do?
"Lorry! It's nice to see another familiar face around here. It's been long. How are you doing, my friend, and if I may ask, do you know how my parents fare? I haven't seen them since I left."
The ravagers are not particularly stealthy, not that it would have mattered if they were. their tracks lead back to what was doubtless their camp. a dozen dead ravagers, and the corpses of almost as many soldiers lay strewn about the camp. no one is left alone. What do you do?I'll need to show the others I think, I begin marking a trail by bending a branch here and there back to the edge of the woods near the northern gate. Time to head home and wait for the morning I head back to my campsite, put the coins into a locked box, and crack open the jeweled egg in my pocket to read the note from my daughter, just as I do every night. The paper is worn and old, a small sigh rings from my chest as I carefully fold it and put it back into the egg which now I hang around my neck and tuck under my clothing. Gone but never far from my heart, my loves. Come on Floyd, lets put this day behind us.
Ron bursts into the bar, and seeing Thaddeus, directs him over to where Belym and Rigwald are sitting. I've a drink poured for ye by our new friends, lad. I'll meet ye there in a moment. But first ...
Ron looks around the bar approvingly at the crowds that have come in. Tragedy always fills a tavern.
He walks up to Lorry and pulls out 350 gold coins from his sack. Fifty ought to see us fair and square on me tab from ... Well the last few weeks. And 300 me boy ... Open the good stuff and keep it flowing. This town needs to celebrate.
He leaps onto a barstool, balancing with the butt of his spear on the bar. He slams the butt of the spear onto the bar until the crowd quiets. Friends! Aye, it's a tragic loss we felt today. Four good sons of Norwhich gave their lives to save us today. But ye all knew them. Would they want you to be sad?
A few crowd members yell, No!
Ron continues more fervently. No! Tis a day to celebrate the gift they've given us! He grabs a cup from the man sitting next to him and raises it in a toast. To Marcus! To Jonrah! To Yaelin! To Tyr!
He gulps down the entire cup, as the bar joins him.
He stamps the spear again to silence the crowd. But me friends. It is also a day of heroes. For I saw with me own eyes, a woman conjure a boulder from thin air and crush a giant intent on your children! I saw a hulking man defeat a giant in single combat! I saw a brave son of Norwhich stand undaunted before four of these beasts!
He dramatically swings the spear to point at the table where Thaddeus, Rigwald, and Belym are sitting, perhaps a bit bewildered by the old man's antics. I give you the Heroes of Norwhich! Drinks and food are on the Heroes of Norwhich all night long! Go get your friends and loved ones. The party has begun.
[Dice=Carouse +2]2d6+2
...
Feeling a bit intoxicated from the liquor, the battle, his wounds, and Scath's potent herbs, Ron pushes his way through the crowd to join the others at the table. He salutes for a moment and says with mock sincerity, Well met heroes!
Thaddeus, tis good to see you. Where did you learn to fight like that?
" Here now, Ron, don't leave yourself out! This man stared down no less than seven ravagers at once, and gave them not an inch of ground! ". Belym hops up to join Ron. " Amongst the dwarves, we've a song for fallen warriors. I'd be honored to lead you all in it! ". And she tries to get the room caught up in the tune - lively, and covering the likely exploits of such mighty fighters in the hereafter.
Feeling a bit intoxicated from the liquor, the battle, his wounds, and Scath's potent herbs, Ron pushes his way through the crowd to join the others at the table. He salutes for a moment and says with mock sincerity, Well met heroes!
Thaddeus, tis good to see you. Where did you learn to fight like that?
After singing along with Belym, Thaddeus turns to Ron. "Good to see you to, Ron. Well, you see when I left town as a boy, I was taken in by the Knights of Mersiel. They trained me to fight amongst other things. Now I'm on a journey to spread peace and justice in the name of the Divine Lady. Although, I still have much to learn. I took a good beating out there, but I still stand strong, and so does Norwhich. That's what matters."
[Dice=Aid+Bonds]2d6+1
"Lorry! It's nice to see another familiar face around here. It's been long. How are you doing, my friend, and if I may ask, do you know how my parents fare? I haven't seen them since I left."
"I am good, Bar keeps on running, and it keeps me fed. yer folk's are as they've always been, Arryn joined the kings army a couple years back, and Reyne married Ruben . Any you became a Paladin, always knew you were a good lad"
[Dice=Aid+Bonds]2d6+1
"Lorry! It's nice to see another familiar face around here. It's been long. How are you doing, my friend, and if I may ask, do you know how my parents fare? I haven't seen them since I left."
"I am good, Bar keeps on running, and it keeps me fed. yer folk's are as they've always been, Arryn joined the kings army a couple years back, and Reyne married Ruben. Any you became a Paladin, always knew you were a good lad"
"That is good to hear. I am glad. Thank you, Lorry, and I'm glad you're doing well. Mersiel shines upon us today it seems."
You guys hear from a couple militiamen deep in the cups that the king wants an abandoned fortress on the border re-manned, and has put out a bounty of 1000 coin to the force that clears it. Garin had planned to clear it soon, but who knows now.
The bad news is, everyone but Scath should choose one from below (try not to take the same one, unless you really have to. (except maybe the fourth one, that's the equivalent of a ____________)
You wake up in the morning...
- In someone else's bed. Who? What happened?
- In an alley, badly beaten. By who? Why?
- In a cell. Why?
- Having done something awful. What?
- With something stolen from you. What?
- Outside of town. Where are you now?
Thaddeus wakes in the morning, after a night spent sleeping on the floor in the common room, to find his holy symbol stolen. Dammed thief stole it from around my neck while I was asleep. I don't know why someone would want it, unless they're going to sell it. Nine hells, how am I going to get it back?
Thaddeus wakes in the morning, after a night spent sleeping on the floor in the common room, to find his holy symbol stolen. Dammed thief stole it from around my neck while I was asleep. I don't know why someone would want it, unless they're going to sell it. Nine hells, how am I going to get it back?
Thaddeus wakes in the morning, after a night spent sleeping on the floor in the common room, to find his holy symbol stolen. Dammed thief stole it from around my neck while I was asleep. I don't know why someone would want it, unless they're going to sell it. Nine Hells, how am I going to get it back?Thaddeus gathers his things and makes sure nothing else is missing. Hmm, a thief stealing from travelers in the night. Reminds me of myself from when I was just a boy. I wonder if the old spots are still around...maybe I can find this thief myself. Where would young me go to sell something like a holy symbol?
Thaddeus tries to recall information from his youth that might be useful to him now. Could that be a Spout Lore?
Well...this is different. Belym thinks, as she's awakened by the sound of cattle. Close by. Very, very close by. She's staring into a cow's face, munching some hay mere inches from her head. As she opens her eyes, she realizes she's in a barn...but not the one she'd been renting out. Schist, how much did I drink last night? As carefully as possible, she'll make her way past the cattle, trying not to spook them, and see if she can get her bearings once she's outside.
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Ron wakes at dawn in his home, and like every truly seasoned drinker, isn't particularly bothered by a hangover. He immediately starts his morning routine, cleaning and polishing his equipment, cooking breakfast, and tending to his wounds. He heads to the market to check on his stall before going to find the others to meet up with Scath.
He is so surprised by what he sees that he actually drops Remorse. S&*$.
--------------------------
Five hours earlier outside Ron's stall:
A boisterous and drunken crowd mills about as Ron stands behind the stall counter, a full jug of his namesake rum nearby. Fenris, I got just the blade for ye me boy! He hands the farmer a short sword. You'll take a filthy ravager's head clean off with that one!
He holds up a fine set of studded leather. Mira! Come here lass! This'll fit you perfectly!
This continues until Ron's stall is empty, and the crowd has reached a frenzied pitch. Welcome to the militia lads and lasses! For Norwhich! The crowd joins in and the party continues until alcohol or exhaustion grabs hold of each partygoer.
At one point Ron looks at his empty stall, shrugs, and knocks back another gulp.
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Thaddeus wakes in the morning, after a night spent sleeping on the floor in the common room, to find his holy symbol stolen. Dammed thief stole it from around my neck while I was asleep. I don't know why someone would want it, unless they're going to sell it. Nine Hells, how am I going to get it back?Thaddeus gathers his things and makes sure nothing else is missing. Hmm, a thief stealing from travelers in the night. Reminds me of myself from when I was just a boy. I wonder if the old spots are still around...maybe I can find this thief myself. Where would young me go to sell something like a holy symbol?
Thaddeus tries to recall information from his youth that might be useful to him now. Could that be a Spout Lore?
[Dice=Spout Lore-INT]2d6-1
You remember one guy, probablky the only guy for 50 miles who would rob a priest or paladin. Lerrik the vandal, pretty well known around here, he likes smashing up temples, and assaulting priests. it's a good bit of luck he only took your symbol, and left your throat intact.
Well...this is different. Belym thinks, as she's awakened by the sound of cattle. Close by. Very, very close by. She's staring into a cow's face, munching some hay mere inches from her head. As she opens her eyes, she realizes she's in a barn...but not the one she'd been renting out. Schist, how much did I drink last night? As carefully as possible, she'll make her way past the cattle, trying not to spook them, and see if she can get her bearings once she's outside.
You emerge into the blinding light, and look around. a small farmhouse stands about half a kilometer away, and rows of fruit trees stretch behind it. you remember passing this on your way into Norwhich, so you must be south of the town. beyond that, you aren't sure
Ron wakes at dawn in his home, and like every truly seasoned drinker, isn't particularly bothered by a hangover. He immediately starts his morning routine, cleaning and polishing his equipment, cooking breakfast, and tending to his wounds. He heads to the market to check on his stall before going to find the others to meet up with Scath.
He is so surprised by what he sees that he actually drops Remorse. S&**.
--------------------------
Five hours earlier outside Ron's stall:
A boisterous and drunken crowd mills about as Ron stands behind the stall counter, a full jug of his namesake rum nearby. Fenris, I got just the blade for ye me boy! He hands the farmer a short sword. You'll take a filthy ravager's head clean off with that one!
He holds up a fine set of studded leather. Mira! Come here lass! This'll fit you perfectly!
This continues until Ron's stall is empty, and the crowd has reached a frenzied pitch. Welcome to the militia lads and lasses! For Norwhich! The crowd joins in and the party continues until alcohol or exhaustion grabs hold of each partygoer.
At one point Ron looks at his empty stall, shrugs, and knocks back another gulp.
Ron said something about meeting at the north gate this morning - I'd better get a move on if I'm going to make that! Belym will start heading northward at a brisk pace (giving the farmhouse a wide berth if it's in that direction) hoping to find a more familiar landmark. If she doesn't get her bearings in a few minutes, she'll try climbing a tree to get a better view.
Having risen well before the sun, feeling quite well rested and ready for a new day. I head over to the edge of the woods near where the trail starts. I find a tree to lean against and wait.
The sun has just begun to peak over the horizons, I am now sitting near the tree tightening the strings on my bow and reorganizing my quiver.
The sun has now fully embraced the horizon, I am now tossing cheese into the air and trying to get Floyd to catch them, tossing cheese to a blind rat ends with dirt covered cheese but a happy, full rat.. Where are they?!? I think.
Ron picks up his spear, curses loudly, and heads towards the North Gate at a brisk jog.
Lerrik the Vandal...I don't know of anyone else that would do this, although I've been gone awhile. I'll ask Ron if he knows of who might be foolish enough to cross a Paladin. At least I have my sword...
Thaddeus heads out to the North Gate, with brisk determination.
Ron said something about meeting at the north gate this morning - I'd better get a move on if I'm going to make that! Belym will start heading northward at a brisk pace (giving the farmhouse a wide berth if it's in that direction) hoping to find a more familiar landmark. If she doesn't get her bearings in a few minutes, she'll try climbing a tree to get a better view.
a few minutes of searching, and you find the trail. you'll get to Norwhich fine, but you'll be an hour late.
Having risen well before the sun, feeling quite well rested and ready for a new day. I head over to the edge of the woods near where the trail starts. I find a tree to lean against and wait.
The sun has just begun to peak over the horizons, I am now sitting near the tree tightening the strings on my bow and reorganizing my quiver.
The sun has now fully embraced the horizon, I am now tossing cheese into the air and trying to get Floyd to catch them, tossing cheese to a blind rat ends with dirt covered cheese but a happy, full rat.. Where are they?!? I think.
The town has a slow start this morning. half of the town seems hungover. in addition, you have had nothing to do for hours, and have noticed that the wildlife is skittish, something is up in the forest. just now, you see Ron and Thasseus approaching. What do you do?
Ron picks up his spear, curses loudly, and heads towards the North Gate at a brisk jog.
You reach it first, though the gate open again behind you shortly afterward. You find Scath standing there, tossing bits of food to Floyd. What do you do?
Lerrik the Vandal...I don't know of anyone else that would do this, although I've been gone awhile. I'll ask Ron if he knows of who might be foolish enough to cross a Paladin. At least I have my sword...
Thaddeus heads out to the North Gate, with brisk determination.
You get out the north gate just a minute after Ron, and see that Scath is already waiting for you outside (and from the look on his face, has been for a while). What do you do?
"Gentlemen, it's a fine day today isn't it? What are our current plans, if I may ask?
Thaddeus's holy symbol is oddly absent from around his neck.
Thaddeus, do you remember Scath? I've asked him to find the ravagers' tracks so we can figure out where they were holed up, or where they got those Braxos blades. But, where's Belym? Well, while we wait, did you find anything Scath?
"Scath, yes, a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
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Seeing Ron and Thaddeus exit the gate I pick up Floyd and head towards them. I told you to enjoy the night Ron, not succumb to all of its temptations I say with a small smile. I nod to say hello to Thaddeus Well I found their trail easy enough, theres a site of death not too far away, Ravagers, Braxos soliders... just bodies everywhere. I have marked the trail so it will be easy to get back. Something has my friends of the forest on edge this morning so we will need to keep our eyes open and prepare for any danger. I glance around to breifly peak into the city Has anyone seen Belym? I hope she hasn't gotten lost.
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As Belym gets her bearings, she realizes just how late she's going to be, and picks up her pace. She settles into a steady jog, keeping time with a mining song...
Stone is old, and tunnel's cold
Swing your pick, another load
Won't be long 'til we strike gold!
Out of breath, she reaches the north gate, and gasps out an apology for being so late.
Ron smiles as Belym approaches. No bother friend, just got here meself. This is Scath, an old friend, and you remember Thaddeus. Seems our large friend Rigwald is not yet up to the challenge. Scath here has backtracked the ravagers to a campsite not too far. What say ye lead us to it Scath?
Good day Belym, yes this is not the first time that Belym and I have searched the woods. Have you had any luck finding your kin? Well our large foreign friend was quite baddly hurt so it might be best to let him rest for a while longer. Let us head out, I marked the trail just that way He begins to lead them to the edge of the woods where the trail had started and his markings of bent branches begun.
"Yes, Scath and I have met before. Give me a moment to catch my breath and I'm ready to go. ". To Scath, she replies, " No, no luck. I was hoping they'd made it to town, but none here has seen them. Thanks again for your help.". Belym greets Thaddeus with a nod.
As Scath sets out, Belym follows behind.
you make your way through the woods, it is a nice enough day, warm and breezey, birds sing. as you get closer, the singing is replaced by crow calls.
Then you find the place. 20-odd corpses litter the ground. a few days old by the look of it. a pair foxes, and a flock of crows retreat as you step into the clearing. Ruined tents and bivouacs are scattered throughout. the stench of death and decay hangs heavy here, as a dozen or so ravager corpses lay there, skewered by arrows, or cut open by blades. half as many Braxan soldiers lay there too, their armour torn by blades, but their armaments unmistakable. what do you do?
Ron ties Roach up to a nearby tree and draws his spear. What do you make of this Scath? Clearly a campsite, but whose?
Ron will continuously scan the clearing edge for movement.
Easiest way to find out, check their food I make my way to the campfire, walking carefully over each body and keeping my eye out for movement. I begin to look for any kind of cooking pot, pan, cooked meat in the area.
"Gods...Braxan camp or Ravager? It was a damned massacre. I'll check the bodies. "
Thaddeus walks over to the corpses, hand on the hilt of his blade. He kneels down and examines their wounds, and looks at the make of the arrows.
Easiest way to find out, check their food I make my way to the campfire, walking carefully over each body and keeping my eye out for movement. I begin to look for any kind of cooking pot, pan, cooked meat in the area.
[dice=discern realities]2d6+1
* What happened here recently?
This was a Braxan ambush of a Ragaver camp. the food and the dwellings are distinctly Ravager-made (that is to say, decorated with gore and bones). it seems the Braxan Soldiers intentionally displaced the ravagers
* What is about to happen.
No doubt, the Braxans are still patrolling that area after dark.
* What should I be on the lookout for?
Aside from their patrols, they have also likely displaced other groups in the forest, who may be looking for a fight, or a place to stay.
"Gods...Braxan camp or Ravager? It was a damned massacre. I'll check the bodies. "
Thaddeus walks over to the corpses, hand on the hilt of his blade. He kneels down and examines their wounds, and looks at the make of the arrows.
[dice=Discern Realities+Wis]2d6+0
What here is useful or valuable to me?
On that discern realities roll.
What here is useful or valuable to me?
On that discern realities roll.
A captain's corpse lays nearby. his armament and personal affects may get you 200 coin. however, it also means that there are at least a few captains, which means a moderately large Braxan force
"Should we burn the bodies? I don't like the idea of them all laying here and rotting in the sun. Mersiel would want us to give them a proper send off."
Thaddeus will take the items, as the dead have no use for material possessions.
Well there is no doubt Ravager's had set up here (pointing out a tent with the mangled head of something dangling like a prized decoration) It looks like this (I point to a few of the soldiers pilled on each other) may just be a smaller patrol from a larger unit as I don't see any insignia of high leadership on any of these other corpses. I don't know what they are looking for but I have no doubt there are more Braxos troops in these woods and if they found this camp..... they probably have found many others. Norwhich can't handle another assault, not until they can patch up that wall. Ron you know the Braxos better then most, what's your call?
An enemy of a ravager is a friend of mine. But Norwhich and Braxos, that relationship isn't so simple ...
Belym will aid Thaddeus in searching and preparing the bodies, and keep her own eyes peeled for anything that looks out of place.
"Ahh thank you, Belym, your help is most appreciated. "
Thaddeus says as they move the bodies and prepare them to be burned.
My friends, do you not think the smoke might attract what else might be in the woods? Perhaps its best we leave them for the hungry animals of the woods and let nature take its course
"That is a fair point, but I am fully aware of what might happen. I am willing to wait until we leave, even if I have to stay behind to do it. I don't wish to put any of you in danger."
An enemy of a ravager is a friend of mine. But Norwhich and Braxos, that relationship isn't so simple ...
[Dice=Spout Lore about recent relations between Norwhich and Braxos.]2d6+1
You know that Braxos has their eye on the eastern section of Tanard for years. Norwhich is the heart of the eastern border. They have made a fair number of attempts on the town, and been seen off, but you doubt they are done with the town.
Belym will aid Thaddeus in searching and preparing the bodies, and keep her own eyes peeled for anything that looks out of place.
[Dice=Discern Realities] 2d6
nothing. it is a massacre, just like it seems
This bodes ill for Norwhich. If Braxos soldiers be willing to clear out ravagers near Norwhich, I'd bet me spear they be moving on Norwhich soon. I reckon we best tell Garin, and then perhaps we should retake the border tower we heard about last night. Would be of great help if there be conflict brewing.
Ron unties Roach and holds the reigns. Either way, be dangerous to stay here much longer.
"I'm burning a bodies. Unless any of you have any serious objections, but even if you do, I'll give you time to distance yourself, and then I'll do it. These men may bode ill for Norwhich, but they're still men."