Dawn breaks it's way past the tattered remains of a curtain, casting it's small light upon a large marble tomb in the center of a rather ornate room. The room is large and hexagonal in shape. By way of the broken, rotting furniture and withering tapestries the room might once have been some sort of chapel.
The tomb is enscribed with mostly faded text, only a small line of text can be made out from the rest; ...of The Virtuous Hero....
Suddenly, with a resounding *Crack* the tomb splits open revealing a decomposed corpse within.
An airy voice floats through the room, "Tch. Now that just won't do." Slowly the corpse starts to shudder as it's bones begin to regain their original shape, and loose flesh starts to knit itself back together.
Another voice cuts through the room, almost sounding disdainful. "At least it will do for our purposes, now be done with it." A second after the voice fades the corpse slowly rises out of it's tomb and a dark miasma surrounds it. The lifeless eyes flick open as the corpse becomes animated.
"Rise my champion, and be born anew." the first voice announces, the sound reverberating around the whole room. A bright light appears above the newly made zombie. It starts to grow bright and burn with an intense heat as it slowly descends, moving into the vile creature. With a startling shriek the zombie is engulfed in light and fire, which slowly grows dimmer and dimmer, leaving the zombie floating in midair - a peculiarly bright light where it's eyes should have been. The zombie gradually becomes less corpse like, until - to the unobservant eye, it would be passably human. It falls to the ground with a dull thud.
"Come my awakened Champion, grasp your sword and shield and once again serve me until the end of an age." A door to the back of the room flies open, revealing a ruined hallway that advances into the dark.
You notice that the sword you hold is most assuredly your own, however the armor you currently wear looks like you were hurriedly dressed in spare armor that wasn't beaten and broken before being entombed. Luckily it would appear that the sealed marble has done well enough to preserve the gear, even if it is a bit old.
As you enter the hallway you notice that the darkness seems to have no effect on your ability to see. You had naturally reacted at first by opening your eyes wide in preparation for the darkness, but quickly found that this room feels just as bright as the last. The place looks abandoned, and you can easily see signs of aging. Some spots are missing stones, others are cracked. The floor runner is in tatters. Some of it looks as though there might have been a fire at one point, and you can see elaborate candle holders, lanterns, and chandeliers that have fallen to the floor ages ago, or have otherwise burnt out. At the end of the hallway you see it branch left and right.
The left looks as though it has collapsed in, with one of the walls sunken and buckled and the roof haven broken down. It looks as though you may be able to climb the rubble and reach the upper floor. You do notice that there seems to be dirt and tree roots protruding from the buckled wall.
To the right is another hallway that ends with double doors. They look to be made of a very solid, very dark, wood and are barred from the inside.
You have an easy time of it as you climb up into the upper levels. As you climb you notice that although you could enter the second level, the rubble actually comes from further up, you think it looks safe enough that you could keep climbing if you wanted.
Looking out of a sunken window you can see what looks to be the top of a dome, around the same area that the chapel you woke up in would have been. You are surprised to see that the lower-floor looks mostly sunken into the earth below it, as the domed roof of the chapel could easily be climbed onto from the ground around it. It's around early morning, with the sun having just fully risen over the horizon and continuing it's steady climb upwards.
Much of the second floor seems to be made of living quarters of some kind, quite possibly guard barracks that have long since gone unused.
You search your memories for what the chapel might have been, if you had to guess it would have been a room for silent meditation and prayer for the invocation of whomever the room had been dedicated to; in this case the tomb you crawled out of.
You vaguely remember the existence of such a room in Ravormfeld, and as you begin to search this floor you start to realize with a sinking heart that this is the Ravormfeld you remember, although it is long abandoned.
You suddenly see two dark shapes dark out between your legs, they nip at you but do nothing. Standing before you are two rather large rats, and they look as though they haven't eaten for a while.
Rats(9): Both take a nip at Erharts legs, hoping to try and tear off a small hunk of flesh , however both don't manage to do anything much.
Erhart9(?):
Rats(9): The rats seem to have an aversion to the bright light eminating from your blade and they scurry back and try to hide behind debris.
Erhart(1):
As you move through the second floor it is quite easy for you to find necessary provisions. The fortress looks unkept, but not completely abandoned. Some cook fires contain still warm embers, and some of the beds look as though they have been slept in recently. At the end of the long hallway there is a large wooden door, on the other side you can hear sounds of fighting.
Past the door is a large room, circular in shape. It seems to be some sort of grand entryway. To the left are elegant stairs leading up to a landing that wraps around the entirety of the room with other doors on the upper level. Straight ahead is another door similar to the one you just opened. To the right you see giant doors that have been knocked inward by rocks, dirt, and debris completely blocking what you would assume was once the entrance to this sprawling mass of hallways. Toward the center of the room, closer to the stairway, you see a small band of what seem to be travelers. There is a tall man with broad shoulders holding a club in one hand, and a torch in the other - providing them an adequate amount of light. Behind and slightly off to the side of the man is an elderly woman in dramatic robes of bright reds, golds, and yellows - looking almost as though she is on fire. Well behind both of them and cowering behind some fallen columns are a woman and a child. The child seems to be putting on a brave face and has a thick looking stick in his hand, the mother is trying to pull him back further to the relative safety of the column.
In front of them and back towards the collapsed door, to your right, is a gang of short, reptilian creatures - Kobolds. One of the Kobolds looks a bit stockier than the rest, and you hear it yelling "GET OUT! FILTHIESSS, MONKIESSSS! GET OUT OR DIE!!! *Hisss*" It then barks a few things in a language unknown to you. The rest of the gang cackle with delight in a high-pitched giggle - similar to that of a hyena. They seem to be standing in an aggressive stance, however none of them have pounced. Behind them you can see what looks like a nest of sorts, although it's contents allude you completely.
Kobold Gang (15+):The Kobolds are busy laughing at Kobold jokes and preparing their slings.
Man (15-):Is brandishing his club like it were a beautiful weapon, which it is not.
Elderly Woman(13): Seems to be chanting something and making symbols with her fingers. A small light raises from her hand and floats above them and then bursts with the twinkling sound of a crystal bell.
You feel the presence of evil within the room.
The air in the room is completely still as your voice rings out from the side door. A moment of silence grows as heads turn to look in your direction, some slower than others. The stockier Kobold narrows it's eyes at you. It hisses something to it's comrades and they shrug there shoulders and make sounds of confusion. The man is the first to pipe up, "Hail Warrior! Help me to smite these scale-skins here and there's money in it for you." The elderly woman shoots him a look but says nothing as her gaze turns back warily to the Kobolds.
The Kobold that has been doing all the talking whips it's head back to the man, but seems to still be talking to you. "The filthiesss dirt monkeysss should have stayed in their dirt homesss." Another of the Kobolds starts to cackle cruely, "'Cosss they eatss dirt they have no homesss." He whips his sling up and around his head , causing the woman behind the pillar to wrap her arms tight around her child and the man to drop his club - to which the Kobold cackles some more. The child, a young boy of around 10, stares at you wide eyed, with seemingly no sense of how much danger he is in.
Kobold Gang (15+): Spends much of round talking and intimidating the group of scavengers.
Man (15-): Is frightened by the Kobold's feigned violence, causing him a momentary lapse and he drops his club with a dull thud.
Elderly Woman(13): Closing her eyes she raises a hand to the sky and chants a small prayer. "Grant me Sight, so that I may see the Sinful." A small light falls from somewhere unseen, and the woman catches it. She then presses her outstretched hand to her forehead and opens her eyes. They seem to shimmer with a light they had not had previously.
Erhart(1):
You feel 4 evil presences in the room, one of them stands out from the rest - but by a very small margin. Their aura does not feel particularly noteworthy as it barely even registers to you.
The man quickly scoops up his fallen club and moves up to stand just behind you. "Ha-HA! A fellow Champion of the Righteous!" He claps you on the shoulder and gestures with his club to the Kobolds, "Now you lizards got something to fear! I'll use your hides as a bag!"
The 'Lead' Kobold narrows it's eyes at Erhart. "You ssstandsss in my nessst and help tHE DIRTSSS MONKEYSSS!?" It hisses in rage and screams in the same hissing language that you don't understand. Immediately two of the Kobolds pull up their slings and start whipping them around their head. A third Kobold brace's it's spear, hissing widely. The 'Lead' Kobold stands in the back, and you catch a glint of daggers held in it's hand.
Kobold Gang (15+): The two Sling Kobolds with slings let loose with their stones, one misses it's target but the other connects solidly with the Man behind you doing damage. The Spear Kobold charges Erhart landing a good hit against him, doing damage. The Dagger Kobold moves off towards it's nest, moving out of view and into the nest.
Man (15-): The stone catches him his chest that isn't covered by his sparse armor. He charges one of the Sling Kobolds yelling as he swings his club, but his strike sails over the short Kobold's head as it cackles nastily.
Elderly Woman(13): Starts to chant a short prayer, "Lord grant my enemies a peaceful slumber so that they may awaken to your glory." She breathes in a deep breath and blows across her palm, a small twinkling light flies from her palm into the middle of both Erhart's and Spear Kobold's conflict. The spell seems to have no effect on either party and the light slowly fades from view.
Erhart(1):
Kobold Gang (15+): The Kobold being accosted by the man drops his sling and grabs the shaft of his spear, readying it to fight off his assailant. The second Sling Kobold looks neverously between Erhart and the Man, finally settling on a target he whips up his sling, sending a stone flying to Erhart but the stone thuds harmlessly against his armor, the Kobold whimpers.
Man (15-): The man glances back behind him at Erhart obviously frightened by this Kobold's tenacity. "I - I got this one right where I want 'im." He swings his club with great force, connecting with the Kobolds snout, dealing damage. The Kobold crumples to the ground, blood seeping slowly from it's mouth. The Man smiles brightly, taking a 5 ft. step to the second Sling Kobold.
Elderly Woman(13): The woman looks startled that her spell seemed to have no effect on any of her targets. She chants the prayer quickly again and the light is blown towards the Man and second Sling Kobold. The spell seems to have no effect on the man, but the Sling Kobold suddenly sways, it's eyes drooping, before it finally crumples - snoring softly.
Erhart(1):
The man strides over to the Kobold he had downed himself and kicks it over. With the Kobold facing up, he places a boot on his chest and raises his club high. The Elderly woman yells "Olaf - NO!"
Olaf only half listens, a smirk on his face. He goes to swing his club down anyway, trying to rip it from Erhart's grip in the process
He finds he is unable to budge the club from Erhart's steel grip. Olaf turns to look at who is stopping his bloodlust, a look of mild surprise on his face.
"Warrior! I have not often met one as strong as you. It takes much to stay my bl - uhh...club." He finishes weakly. He nods for Erhart to release the club.
He smiles, throwing the club into a loop on his belt. The Elderly Woman moves towards Erhart, a cautious look to her. "I thank you for you help. I am Hilde, who might you be?I do not sense any evil taint in you..."
Before Erhart has much of a chance to answer he feels a sudden weight thrown against his legs. He's able to keep his balance well enough, considering his strength, but it is enough to give him a jolt. Looking down Erhart sees the young child clasped tightly to one of his legs, the child's eyes are alight and he is smiling very widely up at Erhart, giggling. His mother runs over trying to coax him away from the newly risen paladin. "Come Geoffry, we do not even know this man. It is uncomely for you to be acting as such. The boy, Geoffry, seems to be unyielding in his efforts to hold onto Erhart.
"Champion of Souna? HA! I was her champion once, and look were it's landed me. Trust me deGrey, don't follow gods so willingly." Olaf's smirk has completely disappeared, replaced with a scowl. He spits the name Souna as though it were a curse.
Hilde moves forward, a look of contempt clouding her face "Ignore the blasphemer; had he an ounce the grace you have Sir, he would doubtless have fallen despite it. Greed is not a Virtue, and Olaf the Golden seems to have forgotten that." Fury flashes over Olaf's face as he turns to move towards the nest, removing himself from Hilde's sight. "We are on a pilgrimage, of sorts. It was naught a week ago that I received a flash, a vision, of a buried Castle. Within this buried Castle was a thing made of shadows, it felt...vile." Hilde shudders a bit before continuing, the memory obviously quite haunting, "However, the Shadow was searching for something when Lady Souna herself appeared. She raised her hand and light blew through the Shadowy beast, removing all the darkness, leaving nothing but a man crowned by the Light of the Lady Herself. Then, as if a bird, I flew far above the Castle and up to the North and the West, far far away. Over trees, and grasslands, until the Earth grew Cold, and I could see the Dusk Sea on the horizon. It was in this place of far cold that a small town was. It looked Frozen, as though waiting for the Warmth and Light." Hilde looks wistfully to a space just past you. " When I awoke from my dreams, I felt an urge to find this sunken Castle and lead the Shadow Crowned in Light to to Frozen Town in the North." Hilde nods and smiles as she turns to meet your gaze, "Being a request from the Virtuous Lady, I felt it necessary to bring any members of the Church who wished to. We were once a congregation of five strong, but Oswald passed on the journey to this Castle. Now it is but us four - although I hardly would count Olaf as a participating member of this congregation any longer."
Olaf comes stumbling out of the nest, holding a small leather bag. He tosses it to Erhart. "Your cut Champion. He moves back together with the group, "Hilde's right though, I could hardly call myself a member of the clergy; With my sword broken, my shield battered, my dagger dulled, my bow bent, my armor crumpled, my horse slain, and my gold depleted I fought on. Olaf the Golden, Champion of Souna, Hero of Portach, Slayer of Trine, Tamer of Broken Spear, Master of the Hard Edge - you would have thought me the perfect servant. BAH!" Olaf spits sourly, "To the Nine Hells with it all. Souna the Virtuous - more like Souna the Selfish. I'd rather-"
"ENOUGH!" Hilde bellows, cutting off Olaf as she slaps him clean across the cheek. Olaf makes a hurt face at the old woman, "Please forgive me, but my good looks are all I have left, try not to hit the face would you?" Then he saunters off towards the stairs and sits, counting the coins in another leather bag he holds in his hands.
Hilde nods thoughtfully, "Yes, I have heard of such a shrine, although I am uncertain of it's location."
Erhart seems to remember there being a shrine in the East Wing off of the upper Foyer, at the end of the hallway. It was a nice enough shrine, however not prominently used by those stationed in the keep.
Erhart and the pilgrims ascend the stairs moving purposefully. Reaching the top, the group proceeds to the Eastern Wing and to a small room towards the far end. Inside of the room there is a small statue in the center towards the back on a makeshift alter. Scattered around are a few broken peices of furniture. This is certainly the room you remember, however it seems to have lost much of its luster over the years. Hilde let's out a small, sad sigh, and Olaf snorts back a small laugh.
You hear a soft, bell-like sound - as though far in the distance. Before your eyes the room begins to grow darker, and darker. The darkness seems to have no effect on your own vision, however you feel Hilde and Geoffry reach out and brush you, as though reassuring themselves that you are still there.
"I thought it was still well before night..."Olaf muses.
You feel Hilde shivering beside you, "The Shadows - they are so cold.."
The solemn tolling of the bell grows louder and louder - now as if you are in front of a cathedral. A woman, cloaked in glowing robes walks out from where the statue sits, "Erhart, my Champion, I thank you for volunteering to return to the mortal coil. You have always shown great faith, and for that I endeavor to reward you." She smiles softly at you, before her eyes shift slowly; first to Hilde, to whom she also smiles and nods slightly, then to Geoffry and his mother, whom she seems to notice but mostly passes over. She finally settles her eyes on Olaf as her face turns impassive.
Olaf glares at Her, a look of disgust on his face, "Now you show yourself - to him!? I asked and I asked, I prayed and I prayed, and STILL YOU DE--" Olaf is suddenly cut off as a golden chain wrap itself tightly around his neck. You can see blood starting to seep from around it's loops. Erharts eyes follow the chain all the way to it's anchor, in the Lady's hand.
"Strength for one's self is not a Virtue you should keep locked in your heart. Greed, Envy, and Pride are all I see locked away in your heart Olaf the Golden. I will give you a chance to recant your sins, devote yourself, and regain your honor. One chance." Her words are cold and her mouth is a hard line, however her eyes are warm and almost comforting.
The skin under the golden chain starts to glow and looks almost flaky, glowing red lines start to spider web out from where the chain has been wrapped around his neck and his skin turns black. "I'd rather burn in the Nine Hells." Olaf manages to spit with the last of his breath, blood starting to pool in the corners of his mouth.
Her expression turns sorrowful, "I am sorry." She pulls the chain taunt, and suddenly Olaf's skin starts to crack as fire starts to burn from inside his body. Olaf screams as he gets pulled forward, but it's as though his skin refuses to come with him, and you can see blackened, cracked bones being ripped forward by the chain. Soon a Skeleton wrapped in the Lady's Chain steps forth, as Olaf's skin crumples into ashes and is blown away by a slight breeze. Erhart watches as the chain falls limp and slowly crawls up the Skeleton, melting onto it's blackened bones, plating it in gold. There is a small pause as the Skeleton stands still that is broken by it's skull suddenly looking up and staring at Erhart, it's eyes aflame.
Hilde jumps backward, acting surprisingly quickly, grabbing Geoffry and his mother. She chants a small prayer as she quickly scrawls a chalk line around them, surrounding herself in symbols and words. You can hear a small bell chime and see a great aura of sunlight surround the group.
"I am sorry my champion, but my comrades doubt your devotion to my and mine. I did my best to attest to your nature, alas - I am not as...prominent...as I once was. Prove to them that you are worthy, and be granted power." She glides closer to Erhart, whispering in his ear, "As you have faith in me, I have faith in you." You feel a hand hold your cheek for a moment, and then you feel Her presence leave.
Olaf's Skeleton (7):The Skeleton stares hard at Erhart before giving a strange roaring sound. A Longsword start to form in it's grasp, made from many broken bits of metal that seem to be stitching themselves together in it's outstretched hand. In it's other hand an overturned table flys into it's grasp, seeming to form into a shield in midair. The Skeleton widen's it's stance as though in preparation for Erhart's onslaught.
Erhart(?):
Erhart (16): Erhart charges Olaf's Burning Skeleton, slamming into him quite hard. He feels the bones rattle beneath his blow and hears a sharp crack. The burning heat of Olaf's Skeleton singes Erhart dealing .
Olaf's Skeleton (7): The Skeleton stares hard at Erhart before giving a strange roaring sound. A Longsword start to form in it's grasp, made from many broken bits of metal that seem to be stitching themselves together in it's outstretched hand. In it's other hand an overturned table flyies into it's grasp, seeming to form into a shield in midair. The Skeleton widens it's stance as though in preparation for Erhart's onslaught.
"Kek-Kek-Kek-Kek!" Olaf's Skeleton roars, it's lower jaw clacking sickeningly against it's upper skull.
Erhart (16): Intense heat radiates off of Olaf's Skeleton dealing
Olaf's Skeleton (7): The Golden Skeleton raises it's Longsword high above it's head, reminding you eerily of the way the Kobold was incapacitated by Olaf , but the blade bounces harmlessly off your armored shoulder. A sound of rage comes from the Skeleton as it tries to move backwards away from Erhart's formidable being.
Your sword smashes diagonally through the Gold-Clad Skeleton's torso, shattering it. The skeleton falls, it's head rolling along the ground and resting directly at your feet; it feels as though it's looking up at you.
Make her keep that promise deGrey
"...her...that...ise...Grey." The skull whispers, almost incoherently"Maker her...promise deGrey." The skull speaks up, you hear it obviously straining to talk. The Golden Skull starts to glow brighter and brighter and then explodes into fire. Erhart suffers .
Erhart feels a cool hand placed on his cheek. I knew you could do it...my Champion. Light returns to the room, and the chiming of bells stops. Where Olaf once stood is coiled a simple metal chain around a small Oaken Chest.
As though in answer to you the Sun finally rises enough to shine in through the singular window to the back of the room. The light pours in around you, bright and full. The sudden light blinds you for a moment as your eyes adjust to the better lighting of the room.
"A crown of Light..." you hear Hilde whisper, transfixed on you. Her mouth is slightly agape in surprise and wonder, and her eyes shine. Geoffry finally breaks free of his mothers grasp and runs forward, grabbing your arm. "Now you get to come with us to the Frozen Town! Will you teach me how to be a Champion on our way?" His mother starts to move to collect him, but stops short; it's hard to tell whether she is scared of you or scared that Geoffry might be doing too much.
Hilde pulls out a small map from the folds of her robes and starts to lay it out. She turns it around so that you may view it as she starts to point out a few things on the map. "Sir Erhart, I believe it is you that I must take with me to the North." She gestures with her hand to a small star labeled, Raven Spire, "This here is where we are now, the Raven Spire. It's said that a powerful Wizard claimed this and it's surrounding lands as his home years ago."[b] Hilde's gaze falls on Erhart,[b]" - although that is simply a rumor made by the surrounding people. Everyone needs something to blame for their misfortune. So - Raven Spire around where we are, and we must travel North to..." Her hands traces a line on the map as it searches for something, anything, in the North. "This must be it" She mutters as she finally finds a small dot. "Falk. I've never heard of the place, although that may be a good sign. The few places North that I recognize certainly aren't a small, frozen village." She looks at you, a warm smile forming on her lips.
"Shall we go to Falk, Champion of Virtue?"
The journey to Falk was notably uneventful. It took a week an a few days of travel to reach the Frozen Town. Erhart can attribute the length mostly to your retinue of followers. Without them it might have only taken half a week of hard travel.
The village is small, only a few scattered buildings that look hastily erected. Living in the town are 20 some men, women, and children. They eye your party suspiciously until Hilde comes forward and explains they are religious refugees seeking shelter and sanctuary. A group on men quickly hurry you all inside a slightly larger building in what you could call the 'center' of town.
The building is a rather large bar/inn where you are quickly set up in the few rooms they have left, free of charge for refugees. They mention that it will take time, but their leader will figure something out. They tell you to get some rest and that in the morning they could discuss further accommodations.
---
In the morning, Erhart heads down the steps and into the large bar area. Overnight it has seemed to transform into some sort of meeting space/town hall. In the center of the room there are three large tables set up in the form of a U shape. In the middle of the U are three chairs at a smaller table. Two men sit at the table already. An older man waves you over to sit down at the table. The older man is sitting at the larger tables with a number of others. It would appear as if this is a sort of town council, the difference being that all of these men seem as if they are merely workers - not politicians by any sense of the word.
Markus nods amicably to Erhart as he takes his seat before returning his attention to the other tables. There is an exceedingly casual air about him, slightly unusual considering that his clothes, while fairly worn, hint at the impression of nobility, or at least upper class.
Rali waits for the meeting to start. Every so often Rali will move his hand to his shoulder scratching the head of a sleeping weasel. As Erhart walks into the room he stands up and presents his hand. Hello, names Rali. Seems as if we were waitin' for you." Rali greets as his gaze slowly meandering around the room. The weasel on Rali's shoulder lazily opens one eye and promptly falls back into slumber. "Wow." Rali pauses. "Well, cooper likes you, and if cooper likes you; I like you." Rali continues gleafully as a large smile stretches across his face.
"Do not worry, all is well. Just been taking a breather and a much needed nap" Rali says peering at Cooper on his shoulder. "Well I speak for myself on this matter." Rali steps out of the way as to open up the floor for further comments.
Upon hearing Erhart mention Souna, a brief flash of distaste and what seems to be pity crosses his face before he turns his head to the side, ashamed at his display. After Rali and Erhart finish their greetings, Markus gives a small cough and stands as well.
"Since Rali here is doing introductions, I would be remiss to not do so as well. My name is Markus Donner," He extends his hand in offering, a slightly forced smile on his face, "pleased to make your acquaintance, Sir Erhart."
The old man stands up, the chair creaking slightly as his weight is lifted off of it. The man is easily over six feet tall, with broad shoulders and a barrel chest. "Welcome to our small village of Falk." his voice is loud and booming, yet has been graveled with age. He continues, "My name is Siegfried Herrmann, although you are more than welcome to call me Siegfried." Siegfried clears his throat a bit and swallows some water before continuing. "It is not often that we receive visitors, much less so many so close together. First we would like to address the problem of the refugees. After discussing it thoroughly we have decided that we will permit them to stay in this town, especially seeing as we have no dedicated church or holyman of our own. However, we simply do not have the necessary space to house them, nor for them to worship as they would like." He sighs a bit and runs a hand through his beard. "As such, we would ask your help. At least one of you have traveled with this group from the Raven Spire, the others have somehow made it this far without much of an escort. To be honest, we hate to ask, however there are not many of us willing to brave the dangers beyond this town." His gaze falls on the men around the table, who quickly look away. "On the table in front of you, you will notice that we have detailed our request, as well as what we are...able...to provide you in the way of assistance and payment. We hope it will be enough." His eyes glance towards the woman, who nods, before turning back to you.
Falk will provide trade of 1 cart of Iron Ore for every 2 cart of wood that Grott may provide, to a maximum of 5 carts Iron Ore for 10 carts wood. Falk will provide protection for the Caravan.
The protection will be awarded 10 gold per person, as well as 5 extra gold for every cart returned safely. In addition any necessary repairs to equipment will be provided upon return. 2 gold per person will be awarded in advance for services rendered, with the last 8 per person to be awarded upon return - regardless of the success of this task.
Siegfried looks on intently as you read the letter. "May we count on you to help us with our plight?"
"Yes, with these materials we should be able to expand our town as well as build a proper place of worship. We don't have much in the way of excess, but we can spare the iron for now." A man on the far end of one of the tables looks as though he is going to say something, but thinks better of it, and nods his agreement.