P.H. Dungeon |
It is early spring in northern Taldor in the barony of Hawkhaven.
You are currently in the bailey of Albercroft Keep near the stables tending to the horses or perhaps just socializing. It is morning and a good day for a ride after a long winter.
Baron Albercroft steps out of the old wooden doors to the keep, takes in the crisp morning air, stretches and starts descending the stairs to the bailey. He's a husky man with a dark, well-trimmed beard. He looks intently at the horses as he approaches, seemingly measuring their condition and the quality of the grooming they are currently receiving.
Feel free to introduce your characters, explain what you are up to and start some chit chat among yourselves.
Atayos Olytrius |
Ah finally I can get to this game via my campaigns tab. Oh blessed dot...
When the heir to the Albercroft house eventually made his appearance, he was accompanied by his honour guard- an older Taldan man of a little over 30 years known as Ayatos Olytrius. He had awoken some time ago to groom his black warhorse Midnight and run him through his paces but had returned in time to be present when his ward left his chambers. He hovered close to his ward, posture more relaxed than he would have been anywhere else but still unconsciously looking for threats. The men of Hawkhaven had affectionately nicknamed the tall knight "The Golem", a reference not only to his physically imposing body and stone-faced, scarred visage; but also for the uncompromising enforcement of Baron Albercroft's defence and because he followed his lord much like a wizard's golem.
Atayos was a little over six feet tall and broad shouldered, built like a heavy set blacksmith but a little quicker than you might expect from his size. The man was often serious and rarely smiled; in fact, the stoic expression he usually wore was another cause for the nickname he had earnt. He kept his brown hair flat and well groomed and sported a very small and humble beard. A ferocious scar covered most of the right hand side of his face, although the groove of his eye socket had spared his sight from whatever creature's claw had brutally ruined his features. His hands and forearms were similarly scarred with marks of war; he had earnt these marks fighting with the Mendevian crusaders far to the north and he was proud of them.
As he was 'on duty', Atayos was clad in a full suit of full plate armour that seemed to hinder him little- this armour proudly bore two crests, one small and one large. The smaller crest was his own family's, the Olytrius'. Based a little to the north of Albercroft Keep, his family's small manor's noble family crest was a grey steel shield with a knelt man emblazoned on it; a particularly humble crest. The larger crest was Albercroft's own and was larger by design; to remind Atayos that his loyalties were ultimately to his liege lord, even over his own family.
Atayos was never more than a few paces from his ward although he was discreet enough to give him a little more distance if it was clear his presence was becoming intolerable.
Sir Garrett Albercroft |
Garrett rises in the morning and meets his guard, Atayos, in stables. The heir to Hawkhaven arrives intent on seeing to his white steed, Argos, not particularly out of any distrust of the stable boys, but more of a desire to do something for himself for once.
"Good morning, Sir Atayos. Rest well?" the young man asks, as he begins to groom Argos.
The heir to Hawkhaven looks every bit the young lord he is, an immaculately dressed, well built man with shoulder length blond hair and closely trimmed beard. He stands nearly equal in height to the dour man known to many throughout the keep as The Golem.
The young man's attention turns quickly as he hears the opening doors of the keep.
"Good morning, father." he says with smile, fully knowing he about to be chastised for doing stable boy's work again.
Atayos Olytrius |
I did, my lord Atayos answered in a firm voice, tending to his own horse much as Garrett looked to his. And you? he remembered to ask. What does the day have in store for us today?
P.H. Dungeon |
I'll give you guys a NPC to interact with until everyone else joins.
Theodric strides over and looks appraisingly at the horses.
Garret you know that Florian needs to practise his grooming. You should let him do... Ah never mind. It's too nice a day to be hassling you already, and it's good for a man to take care of his own horse.
Argos is looking good. I hope she'll be ready for Count Greyborne's birthday tournament next week.
Randofrain Albercroft |
Having recently arrived back at the keep and taking a short break from his studies at the temple of Iomadae, Rando was relaxed. He leisurely awoke and stretched, rising at a decent hour, bathing, and heading outside to see what was transpiring this morning.
He was dressed in usual basic traveling clothes, displaying his large silver holy symbol. He admired the well crafted armor that they sported. He'd tried the heavy armor before, but it hadn't seemed right. As he exited the keep and saw the gathering, he hurried up his gait. "Morning everyone...father, brother, and you too Golem, he said not being able to keep the smile out of his voice. He actually likes that name Rando reminds himself with a shake of the head. "Looks to be a pretty day. What's everyone's plans? Getting a ride in?"
Sorry for the slow post. Hadn't noticed the game thread was up!
Sir Garrett Albercroft |
"Morning, Rando." Garrett says with a smile. "Hadn't really thought of any plans for the day, though a ride sounds splendid." he answers as much to The Golem as his brother.
Turning his attention to his father, Garrett says, "Unless of course you had something else in mind, father."
Sir Garrett Albercroft |
"You know I don't get home much...It'd be nice to do something with the family. And friends of course," he adds, nodding to Golem and to Theodric, whom he hadn't noticed earlier.
Don't know if I simply misread your intent or not, but Theodric = Baron Albercroft a.k.a. the father of Rando and Garrett
P.H. Dungeon |
As you're having your little chit chat, a horn sounds on the gatehouse to announce a rider enter. Then a boy on horseback rides through the gates into the bailey.
Both he and his horse look exhausted from riding hard. The horse is wet with sweat and its flanks heave.
You recognize the 10 year old boy. His name is Denise Stirling, the younger brother of Kelden Stirling. The boy is from the village of Eel's Crossing, which is the most western village in Hawkhaven and borders on the lands of Baron Harkon Albercroft (Sir Garret's uncle). Their father Sir Alastar Stirling, was a childhood friend of Theodirc and a loyal family retainer; he was knighted and given the lands around Eel's Crossing by Baron Albercroft some 15 years ago due to his faithful service during the Bourg war (a short war that took place when the Bourg's of Galt attacked the prefecture). Unfortunately, Sir Alastar passed away this past winter of an illness. The older brother Kelden is the now the head of the Stirling household, but he is merely 16, and your father doubts that he has the strength to effectively manage the lands that border on the domain of his brother.
Atayos Olytrius |
Atayos had nodded in greeting to Randofrain but said nothing. He liked Randofrain- the boy had a natural way with people, perhaps even more so than his older sibling; unburdened as he was by not worrying about the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. Wary as ever as the rider arrived, the Golem studied the boy carefully.
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18 Sense Motive.
What are the succession laws here? Primogeniture (first-born son takes all titles) I assume, rather than Gavelkind (titles split between sons, eldest takes the most).
Sir Garrett Albercroft |
Noting the exhausted condition of both rider and mount, Garrett hurries over to help the boy off of his horse. "Florian! Come see to Master Stirling's horse."
Helping the boy off of the horse, Garrett awaits Denise's answer.
Theodric Greyborne |
Young master Theodric Greyborne comes up the road, barrelling down on a horse. Galloping past the group gathered outside the stable, his hair being tossed about in the wind. His family heraldry is unmistakable. This is Lord Albercroft's nephew, the son of the queens twin sister.
He dismounts and comes out of the stables looking as pristine as the day he set out on the journey to come here from Oppara. He looks at everyone and gives a wry smile then turns to the Lord himself and gives a bow that is lathered in sarcasm before he approaches.
Sorry for my late start, but my wife and daughter are still in the hospital. I am hoping the get released tomorrow or thursday. Thank you all for bearing with me and my late start. I look forward to playing with all of you
Sir Garrett Albercroft |
"Impeccable timing as usual, cousin." the heir to Hawkhaven says, his comment dripping with as much sarcasm as his bastard cousin's bow, as he turns his attention back to the young Stirling boy.
P.H. Dungeon |
Denise has trouble speaking because he is winded.
One of the homesteads was attacked... Last night... Something terrible... Cerwen family dead... I was told to get for help. To bring as many men as possible. Uncle Feldar went to investigate. He didn't say what it was. He just said to ask for as many as could be spared.
Sir Garrett Albercroft |
Looking to Atayos and Rando, "Sounds like that ride we were about to go on has a bit of purpose now." Turning his attention to his cousin, "Theo, you are welcome to join us, should you feel so inclined."
Atayos Olytrius |
Atayos had tensed up at the approach of the unknown man Garrett declared to be his cousin, but fell once more at ease as his ward appeared to know the man. Atayos had only been back inside the Barony for a little under six months and was not entirely familiar with all of the family- at least not with their faces anyway. He could impeccably recite their heraldry, names, titles and lines of succession.
P.H. Dungeon |
Garret and Rando, you also know that "Uncle Feldar" is the brother of Sir Alastar Striling. He's a grizzled woodsman who was also a close childhood friend of your father's. He too fought with him in the Bourg war and was offered a knighthood for his service, but he turned it down. He's always been more of a recluse and lives in a cabin in the woods nearby Eel's Crossing. He's known as a skilled archer, hunter and tracker (ranger). He's a surly fellow, but brave, honourable and deadly. If uncle Feldar is saying the situation is bad, then you know it must be.
Baron Albercroft looks perturbed and grim. He looks at Garret and Rando.
You'd best get moving. Take six of the house guard with you. I have a bad feeling about this.
Randofrain Albercroft |
Rando listened intently to the description of the situation. "I'll collect the guardsman and grab my stuff. I'll be ready in ten minutes," he says over his shoulder as he is already in motion. He quickly shouts to the nearest six, advising them to prepare quickly for a ride, then running by his quarters, collecting his items necessary to protect his family's people.
Atayos Olytrius |
There is little time Atayos spoke quietly, but with authority. Have one of the men gather the others and join us. We should ride and they can join us later, if they have no mounts- we must respond swiftly he advised his ward.
That and I absolutely hate NPC tagalongs :P. Some indication of how many men Garrett actually has at his disposal would be useful. I had the impression all the men-at-arms would be his father's and only his 'Honor Guard' was the heirs alone.
torrin'del drassin |
Torrin woke to his curtains being drawn away from his windows his eyes fluttering from the sudden brightness.
"Mary why do you always insist on waking me in such a violent manner" he looks around the immaculate room "Thomas I believe that I will wear the blue today"
Thomas turns to the dressers to begin to pull out his nice clothing and Torrin slips his legs off the bed as mary walks out and clothes the door so that torrin may dress. thomas lays a nice white cotton shirt, a blue blouse, a pair of blue silky pants and nice soft leather slippers made for a leisurely time indoors. Torrin undresses quickly and begins to slip on his pants.
"So Thomas... have we heard anything new about my fathers court? I am itching to find some intrigue. the court here is nothing nearly as fun as back home." he finishes dressing.
"sir it is quite boring out there so i hear" hands Torrin his signet ring. "this Keep is not bad. but I would prefer something exciting." hangs the necklace that his mother provided to Torrin around Torrins neck. "If today doesn't get too exciting sir, May I recommend a ride out into the countryside."
"I may take you up on that. why dont you go talk to gregory about getting my horse ready." thomas nods and places the rest of Torrin's jewelry into his lieges hand. and exits the room with a small polite bow.
A few minutes later he returns quickly. "It looks like your nephew has declared a hunting party... some of his vassals may have been attacked. Shall I help you change sir?"
"Immediately Thomas. Did you get gregory to make my horse ready?" Thomas nods quickly "Good you are always someone I can trust to know my mind." He quickly stips our of his pants and blouse but keeps on the cotton shirt and slips into his explorers outfit a tan overshirt, loose brown comfortable pants and a pair of rugged leather boots. "Thomas I believe I may need my leather armor as well as my weapons. Is my nephew bringing any warriors or will I need you to accompany me. I prefer not to put you into danger"
"no my liege. you needn't take me, your nephew has 6 warriors as well as his personal guard." he hands the rapier to his liege and Torrin slides it into the scabbard on his belt and takes the knives from Thomas's hands and into his knife rig on the front of his leather armor.
"then I will take my leave Thomas please make sure my jewelry goes back into the chest. Oh. but I will keep my signet ring" he hands all of the jewelry to Thomas then pick his signet ring back up quickly slipping it back onto his fingers. then walks to the stables.
"dear nephew would you mind my company on your little ride?" he stands there fully armored and outfitted looking quite impressive and fashionable. his studs on his leather made fashionable symbols and his personal crest outlined in studs on his chest. his backpack filled with his masterwork tools and a few other survival instruments.
Theodric Greyborne |
Theo obviously a little disgruntled about having just arrived and already being sent on am errand just like when he was but a boy those many years ago. He sends for his horse and looks at his extended family As you wish and galloped off with his family and the unknown attendants.
On the ride the foppish man introduces himself as Theodric Greyborne, nephew to the Lord. and grips the brim of his hat pulling it down.
Sir Garrett Albercroft |
"Dear nephew would you mind my company on your little ride?" he stands there fully armored and outfitted looking quite impressive and fashionable. his studs on his leather made fashionable symbols and his personal crest outlined in studs on his chest. his backpack filled with his masterwork tools and a few other survival instruments.
"You are always welcome to join us, uncle. I see that you are ready, that is good, as we must make haste. The situation is dire enough that even Feldar Stirling says it is bad." he say getting up into Argos's saddle, ready to ride off
torrin'del drassin |
"Well then it does sound serious my dear nephew" he waves his hand at gregory who is putting the saddlebags and his overnight kit onto Torrin's sandy brown gelding. gregory waves back and brings the horse to him. he intertwines his fingers to help his lord up.
"my liege there is rations for your ride in the left saddlebag and your tent and overnight gear is behind your saddle just in case." he hands the reins to Torrin "good riding my liege"
"Thank you gregory excellent work as always." he looks at the group gathering and preparing around him. "well nephew what do you think we should expect?"
Sir Garrett Albercroft |
"To be honest, Uncle, I do not truly know much other than that the Cerwen homestead was attacked, and the family is dead. That close to my Uncle Harkon's lands, I would not be surprised if Vors had something to do with it."
For those of you unaware, Vors is the oldest of the Albercroft children and would have been the heir to Hawkhaven had he not turned out to be such a bully and a lout. Vors behaivor cost him his birthright (which now belongs to Garrett) and caused him to leave to live with Baron Harkon Albercroft.
Randofrain Albercroft |
While the others were preparing, Rando came sprinting out of the main area of the keep, carrying his massive sword, with a few other items being grabbed willy nilly, as he was trying to strap them to his person. "Hey Uncle, morning Theo...you two coming along? Sounds like there's trouble out at the Cerwen's."
I didn't save enough cash to afford a horse. Does Father have one I could borrow for the trip? If not, I can easily make some quick accounting adjustments, for the 100 gold roughly that I'd need.
P.H. Dungeon |
As Denise finishes sputtering out his dire words, his horse wavers and then collapses, its heart having burst from the exertion.
It takes you all a bit of time to don your armour and gather all your war gear, but you do so as quickly as possible, and soon you set out. 6 household guards equipped with chains shirts, shields, swords and spears follow behind on their horses.
I'll keep the retainers in the background as much as possible, but you should get used to having some around, as that will be pretty common in this sort of game.
Baron Albercroft gives his blessing as you go, and the 11 of you ride hard west along the Hawkhaven road towards Eel's Crossing. You estimate that if you push the horses hard you should reach the village in about 4 hours.
The countryside is damp with the spring thaw, making the road muddy and riddled with puddles. It is a windy and rugged land with crisp fresh air; here and there, particularly in the shady areas, you see patches of snow that have yet to melt. Small copses of trees and scattered boulders break up the bare hills of the countryside. Most of the folk you see are peasants who are out preparing the fields for planting. There are few travellers yet using the road, but soon enough travelling merchants and even the odd caravan will be a common sight.
After riding for about two hours you spot two travellers on the road ahead. They are heading in your direction. Both are on foot, but they have a pack mule in tow that carries their belongings. One is a young man and the other is young woman (late teens). They are dressed in durable travellers outfits and seemingly unarmed except for walking staffs and possibly daggers. The man has a lute slung across his back, and the woman's outfit is made up of a patchwork of vibrant colours, leading you to believe they might be travelling performers.
You don't recognize either of the pair, and as they see you approaching they move off to the side of the road to make way for your party. The woman moves behind the man and he assumes a defensive stance.
torrin'del drassin |
Torrin slows his horse while he frowns slightly as the pair seem to anticipate a fight. "fair travellers we mean you no harm" he flourishes a small bow from his saddle. "may I inquire your names and why we seem to bother you so?" he recites as he cocks his head to the side "I am Torrin'del Drassin. My lady Albercrofts relation. I wish only to help those who might know some information about what may have happened at a farm some distance from here." at that he pulls his belt pouch and flourishes with a display of fancy, 5 silver coins.
Diplomacy1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17 to go with his speech for names and business of the pair
sleight of hand1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10 for the flourishing of the coins
Knowledge local1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12 If i would have heard of travelling musicians or performers
Perception 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26
sense motive1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21 wondering why the aggressive stance against what would usually be seen as a peace keeping group what with all the personal heraldry being worn by nearly every person in the party
Theodric Greyborne |
Theodric rode up next to the man seemingly supplementing his questions while he attempts to make eye contact with the young lass behind the merchant.
He says to the travelers sorry this oaf forgot to introduce the rest of us. I myself am Theodric Greyborne, alumni of the Kithordian Academy, and nephew to Lord Albercroft, at your service as he takes a deep bow on his horse
Aid Another on Diplomacy 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
P.H. Dungeon |
The young man does the talking, but seems a bit nervous.
We don't want any trouble, we're merely trying to make it safely to Greymere. We're performers. We heard the count, probably your leige, is having a big celebration in honour of his 50th birthday. We, we are hoping that we'll be given the opportunity to perform.
Torrin
It isn't unusual for travellers to get a little nervous when a big group of armed knights comes by, especially with a young lady present. You recognize the man's accent as being from the River Kingdoms, but they don't seem familiar as travellers that been in the region. You also notice that the woman has a black eye and it looks pretty fresh.