"Perhaps I could go with her," Stolos says. "The waters hold no fears for Zelotes and I, and we are used to being in strange territory. If anything should happen, we will be sure to alert the camp." Stolos says this with a calm self-assurance. Turning towards the edge of camp, Stolos makes a clicking sound, and the large otter that had been curled up next to the fire was suddenly next to his side.
"If we should run into trouble, we're not afraid," Stolos adds with a smile. "Keravus watches over us and Yovit protects us." With a small bow, Stolos hurries after Ravena.
Calamity nods to Apostolos with a hand over her mouth. She fiddles with this mannerism attempting to find a way to do it comfortably. Eventually she gives a small sigh letting both arms drop to her sides "There is a difference between bravery, Apostolos, and absence of fear. I will follow with you as I fear the unknown, and am quite unfamiliar with these portions of the land...."
Marcus spends his day moving from the temporary location of the ferry, where Alodoan soldiers work tirelessly to bring people from Riverside back to Lakeside where they begin the difficult task of examining the damage done to their fields and farms, and the home D’ieredon D’atarisian, which escaped any significant damage.
Here, D’ieredon lies on a small bed in the one room house recovering from his injuries. Kaspeae Havanis, the young elven daughter of one of the elder Alodoan immigrant families, tends to D’ieredon’s injuries, and hovers by the door every time Marcus leaves.
While resting on the porch of the house, Alinda Carpenter arrives with another handful of small pieces of parchment paper to deliver to Marcus, and when she approaches the house, Kaspeae stares intensely at the Gymnaga-girl, barely able to conceal her jealousy.
It is clear to Marcus that Alinda is aware of Kaspeae’s feelings for him, and she handles herself with calm diplomacy, giving Marcus an update on all the details she has been recording as each family of Woodbridge records the extent of their loses.
Marcus leafs through the papers, noting the family names, and list of damage to property, fields, and missing livestock. He knows the task before him and Patricia Flaherty will not be easy, and he tries his best to prioritize the leaflets in the order of the most serious damage to homes and buildings, to lesser records of lost cows or chickens.
Patricia arrives, and taps Alinda on the shoulder, then tips her head to one side and Alinda slides away standing as tall as she can, heading back toward the ferry.
NPC: F Urandoman/Human Warrior 4 | Init +1, P +2 | HD, 4d10+8 / HP 28/28 | AC 14, T 12, FF 12 | F +6, R +2, W +1 | CMD 16
Marcus, Patricia says, her voice sounding tired, but resolute. We’ve collected the bodies of the Tafganor and sashi-anhain and carried them out to the southwest of town near the cemetery. Mister Panforey, feeling better every minute, insists that they be blessed, before we bury them all in a common grave, citing his concern that the evil in them may still be lingering and it might draw a surge in wild necromancy. The old priest isn’t strong enough to walk yet, but that isn’t a problem as it is going to take us the rest of today and part of tomorrow to dig a large enough grave for all of them. On the other hand, we’ve collected several good weapons from the fallen enemy, and the steel is not poor. There are mostly long handled war axes, but we could put them to use felling trees, and we will need the lumber.
Patricia sits down on the porch, bringing her knee up near her chin, and goes on. The men and women from Alodoa seem happy with the idea of settling down here Lakeside. The talk among them is that being stationed here, for the time being, is better than being posted anywhere north of Castletown. I take it from what they are suggesting that there are more troubles with settlers that way than here in our little village and for that I am thankful. A couple of the soldiers will be going back tomorrow to report what happened here, and take their dead back so their families can have a proper funeral for them. We are going to give them the Foregan family’s wagon and mule to help them in this task.
She pause for a moment, looks out toward the trees and marshes west of lakeside, and then turns back to Marcus and says with a half-smile, I think we’re going to be alright, don’t you?
Stolos and Calamity catch up to Ravena. Ravena is crouched low in tall wildflowers between two oak trees. Just a few yards away, a pair of fat, wild pheasants pecks away at the roots of a small willow tree. A quick arrow is loosed in the darkness. Calamity and Stolos hear the twang of the string, the flutter of wings, and then a soft thud.
Back in the camp, Robert cannot help but stare across the fire at the strangely attractive half-tafganor girl as she sits some distance back, staring up into the night sky
He wonders, for a moment, what it might be like to be in another place, in another time, but he shakes off the odd feeling, because he knows that he is here and it is now.
When Ravena returns with the fat pheasant his hosts are delighted with the catch. There is much talk about plucking it quickly and roasting it before the night is through.
The rest of the night passes quietly. The small gnomes sing a few quiet songs. The words seem familiar, the language is the common tongue, but their accents make the songs seem almost foreign.
The Green Wood Day 1, before sunrise
The sun has got something other than rising bright and promising this morning. The sky is dark grey, and the threat of a spring morning rain hangs in the air. The trees all around are damp, but no rain falls, yet.
The gnomes break camp early, rolling up their tents, and stashing away their gear. It is only when the sun has risen well past the horizon, when the clouds are forced to let through some light that Ket sees that there is a hand drawn cart parked near the camp.
You have a cart! Ket shouts happily. Well and good. Here pile the tents on top of their gear Anektah. Today we will all walk less burdened.
Darlene, who had been quiet the night before, takes out the map her father had made and opens it, placing it on the ground she kneels to put her finger on the Green Wood.
NPC: F Maetaur Bard/1 | AC 14 , t 13 , ff 11 |HP: 19/ (18) | f +2, r +6, w +3| Init +3, P +2 |CMD
My father seemed to remember that Otter’s Lake was more southern, and due west from the southern border of the green Wood. If what Ket has told us Auria and Cicily told him is true, we have two choices. Either head back south out of the Green Wood, then head west across the hills till we find the Worran river, then follow it north. This might take longer, but we are more likely to pass small hamlets or isolated farms in the hills and that could mean we could pick up any news about the tafganor in this area. On the other hand it means we might not reach Otter’s Lake before Cicily and Auria move on from there. I Don’t know anything about this Gowan’s Crossing. If we stay in the Green Wood, travel due west from here I don’t know what dangers we might come across, but we might reach the Worran faster that way.
"I agree with Ravena. Our purpose out here is to find our missing. If we can get ahead of them, we can either meet them there, or back track the other path to find them. Backtracking would allow us to gather the news from the locals from the longer route as we go, or meet up with Auria & Cicily and get the news from them."
The Tafganor horde is more likely to follow the road that would allow them to loot and pillage, no? The purpose of an army is to conquer and there's not a lot to gain by just marching over uninhabited wilderness.
"The distance will be shorter, and if the land we've covered is any indication, it shouldn't be too difficult to reach our destination with speed," Stolos muses.
When Marwan does not object, Aniktah begins to load the rolled tents, cooking pots, packs, blankets, and rolled furs belonging to the gnomes onto his hand cart. The wheels creek and groan, but do not show any signs of being overloaded.
Darlene tells Marwan,
Why don’t you stay with the others and Aniktah and I will pull the cart?
Aniktah looks happy with the suggestion and lifts one of the handles.
The Green Wood is a young, light growth forest that covers a wide swath of land between the Worran River and the mountains to the east. The trees here are mature, neither young nor old but they are tall and often the branches spread out wide in every direction, filled with spring buds and already well established foliage.
The ground is hard, covered with the soft springy detritus of leaves fallen over summers past. There are occasional bushes and patches of wildflowers, and the grass that does grow here is young, barely beginning to poke up through the mulch. The air has a heavy feel to it, with smells of deep rich earth and growing things.
The party sets off soon after Ravena has returned, having had no luck this morning in finding anything other than wild young berries and a few wild tubers. Breakfast is cold, and consist of mostly the preserved rations the gnomes have been carrying with them, and the bits of rations the party has among them.
As you set out to the northwest, through the trees, you can tell that the ground has a gentle downhill grade. Looking as far as you can through the trees to the north, and northeast you can see the ground rises, and when you can get a good long look, the hills to the north can be seen each a bit taller as they extend northward.
To the southwest and south the forest is thinner, and occasionally you can catch a glimpse of low rolling, grassy hills stretching out to the horizon, and here and there a little cottage can be seen, or a long low barn, white whiffs of smoke rising from chimneys far too far away to make out clearly.
The grey foreboding sky overhead continues to taunt you with rain. Once, then twice, one of you feels a heavy drop you know did not fall from a leaf above, but a heavy rain never manifests and when it seems midday has come and gone, finally the sun pushes its golden light through the clouds.
The ground continues to have a very gentle downward grade as you move as best you can in a northwestern direction, and with the sun low in the southern sky, now moving to the west and above your left shoulder behind you, you begin to wonder if you will reach the forest’s edge before nightfall.
The trees begin to close in more and more, though there is still ample room to pull the small hand cart along the way, moving left or right just a few feet to maneuver around the growth, but never straying far from the intended course.
Another hour or two passes and you come to a small creek. It is a wide and shallow little creek. Its bed is made entirely of polished, rounded stones in many colors of grey, black, white, and brown. The little stream is clear, fast flowing, and has a soft almost enchanting sound to its tumbling along. It flows out of the northeast and crosses your path directly in front of you, and then away to the southwest it curves gently westward. With the sun dipping low off in the southwest long golden rays of sunshine play across the surface of the gentle waters creating a dazzling display of dancing gold and silver sparkles.
It is no delay at all to push past the creek, the water is no more than a few inches deep and the rocks, and pebbles of the creek bed noisily clatter as they shift out of the way beneath the wheels of the cart.
Another hour passes and the trees begin to thin again, the ground rises now, more steep than the gentle grade you came down all morning, until finally, just an hour before the sun has completely set the trees give way to grassy fields, and other fields, planted with tall stalks of grain growing in neat plots sectioned off from the surrounding wildlands by low stone walls. To the left and right, still a half mile or so away you can see farm houses spread apart generously, and between them ahead of you, to the northwest you see a small cluster of buildings.
Looking to the left, to the southwest you can see a winding river on the lowlands as it swings back and forth through the low lying hill country between the western edge of the Green wood and Castletown far off to the south.
This must be the village of Gowan’s Crossing, the river Worran, which you can see off to the south, must wind westward, and behind some hills before it passes through this little hamlet, somewhere out of sight to the northwest.
You can move directly into the village, looking for one of the locals to greet you, or take a few post to carry on any important dialog you feel needs to happen before you proceed
"I for one would very much like to compose myself," Stolos responds. "It would be nice to clean up before coming into town. Or, if we could find an inn, we could request a washbasin, but I would prefer to bathe in yonder river."
Do we smell? I didn't notice. How about the ladies and I go to see if our missing have been through while Apostolos and the rest of the lads who wish to bathe do so? I don't imagine we ought to all bathe together.
"There are certain advantages, I admit, to having a wizard about. So, If I may offer a bit of help..." With a snap of his fingers and a spark of magic, Calex suddenly has Stolos as clean as if he had just emerged from a bath, with his clothes fully laundered. A second casting repeats the effect upon himself. Calex uses his Prestidigitation to clean up."Anyone else need some assistance?" the young mage asks as he straightens out his newly-cleaned clothing.
Calamity would shyly approach Calex with a hand reflexively to her mouth "I would prefer to not have to undress.... If you don't mind, Calex."
She would chat with Aniktah now and again along the journey, but mostly without her cloth she would be rather speechless. It would come off quite obviously that she was unsure of how to speak now that a part of her that had been covered since she was born was naked.
"I will go with you, Marwan. I'm normally rather good at speaking with people, especially those who might be wary or suspicious of strangers."
Female Human Oracle of life (Divine herbalist) 1 +6 init +perc, to hit, F+, R + , W +, Max HP , AC
ah heck ifn a man wants ta look at me I find it flatterin. Bathed plenty o times in da company o men. and then when the magic arrives she scowls for a moment and then shrugs and takes a step up for the magical cleaning as well. Then she says:
we aught ta find ifn our folk came here or no so I too will come.
NPC: F half-orc Cleric/2 | AC 12, t 12, ff 10 | hp 17/17 | f +4, r +2, w +5 | Init +2 |
Aniktah waits until the others are finished and shyly approaches Calex
If you think I might have a better chance of not being noticed by your people in that village, maybe your magic can help me?
When Calex uses the simple cantrip on Aniktah he cannot help but notice the girl has a unique beauty all her own that comes out even more apparent after she is cleaned by the spell.
This is not meant to point out anyone’s mistake, because you might never have been told this before now. Calex, and Marcus (who is back in Woodbridge still) are the only players who have been with this game since the beginning, and they know that Woodbridge, with a population of near 300 does not have an Inn, and has only one tavern. Most Urandoman settlements will not have an Inn at all. The only one we have seen in this adventure is actually just a mile outside of Castletown. Inns are actual a foreign concept to most Urandomans, who don’t normally travel away from their homes and when they do they are likely to find folks in other villages willing to let them sleep on the floor near the fire. Inns are definitely an Alodoan staple, and can be found all through the mainland countries of the empire, including Iarishea. Maetaur communities usually have a “common House” near the center of their villages which are used for ceremonies and special occasions, and are always open to strangers who might be passing through who need a place to sleep out of the weather, though they are not occupied by anyone of the Maetaur on a regular basis and there is no expectation that any particular Maetaur is responsible for running the place like an Inn. All Maetaur in the community are responsible for taking care of strangers who come into the village in need of assistance, though they are generous in this way, they are still aloof and standoffish when those strangers are not Maetaur. Gymnaga folk have no communities any larger than Woodbridge, in fact the largest known Gymnaga village is barely over two hundred of their kind in size, and they do not build “Inns” either. Gymnaga folk are similar to normal Urandoman human kind in their generosity and willingness to share their homes with strangers, though the typical Gymnaga home is often larger than a normal human house, and often has more than one family living together. You will not find an Inn in this little hamlet, and the chances are not high that you will find a tavern either. Off all the characters in the party, only Marwan and Ravena will be surprised that there is not an Inn in this village.
"Perhaps those who know and can give an accurate description of who we're looking for should pursue that course of action, while the rest of us can try and make sleeping arrangements." Stolos suggests.
To Aniktah, Stolos says "Don't worry about standing out if you're with us." Pointing to Zelotes, he continues "You have no idea how many times she's frightened people who thought she was a young bear. I'd swear she does it on purpose." Stolos finishes, shaking his head. "Why, there was the time we ran into a hunter in the woods and..." With that, Stolos launches off into a story about his and Zelo's escapades in the woods, the theft of a local hunter's daily catch, and the loop the two had to lead him on through the woods, through brush, until they finally lost him by diving into a mudhole and staying hidden until he passed.
"It took weeks to get the mud out of my hair," Stolos concludes, "And that hunter didn't even give me a chance. All I was able to say was that I was merely tying to chop down that tree with his herring before he took after us."
Calex smiles at the friendly banter and extends his hand to the trafganor. "You won't be able to hide, Aniktah. But don't let that stop you. Jewels look best in the light, after all. And I wont lie and say you have nothing to be afraid of. The people here are unknown to us, so we can't be sure how they'll react to strangers. But I can promise you won't face them alone."
Your party begins toward the small hamlet in the distance. After a short time, as the ground descends now, you find a road , it is a wide, packed dirt road, with a few shallow wagon wheel ruts. You have found this road at a bend. To your right the road goes north by northeast, in the direction of the Green wood, while to your left and ahead of you the road curves until it is headed west. Ahead of you, down the road just a dozen yards or so there is a farm, with three buildings and a fenced in area on the right side of the road where you can see at least a dozen small, long haired, long horned cattle.
You find the road easier to move along than the grassy lads of the hill country behind you and you make quick time. The sun is still above the horizon in the west, but you know it will set soon. There is no one outside of the farm buildings as you pass them by , but passing you see that one of the buildings is a milking barn, finished only on three sides with several tall milk jars standing against the frame of the open side facing you.
Ahead of you the hamlet comes into view. There are only seven buildings here. Four of them are on the north side of the road, while three are on the south side. Looking to the west through the small hamlet you see the road turns again to the north.
All of the buildings are the same in shape and size. They are rectangular, about fifteen to twenty feet on one side, and thirty to forty feet along the other side. The long sides of the buildings face the roads and there is about twenty feet between each building. In the center of the long side facing the road of each building is a door. The buildings are wattle and daub construction with thick roofs of thatch.
There are windows with wooden shutters in the buildings. The number and size of windows is inconsistent, but each window has a flower box below it.
All the doors and windows of all the buildings are closed, except for the second building on the right. Here the door is open, and the windows on the wall facing east and south you can see are all open. Warm yellow light pours out of the door and windows of this building, but more than that, there are three long narrow tables on the edge of the road near the front of this building and a dozen or more people, of all ages, sex, and sizes are sitting at these tables with mugs in front of them, as well as large plates of bread and roasted chickens.
The table closest to your approaching group is first to notice your arrival, and the people sitting there stand up, talking amongst themselves, pointing at the house across the street.
The activity at the first table catches the attention of a tall, broad shouldered man at the second table. He is a dark tanned man, with a large square head, and thick brown hair pulled into a knot at the back of his head.
This big man leaps up from the table and runs toward you, holding his hands up in front of him.
Aye, aye, welcome, welcome, strangers. My name is Aldwin Rowenland, how can we help you travelers today?
"We have traveled a decent distance, Goodman Rowenland, and we were wondering where we might find some food and shelter," Stolos says. "We camped the last night in the Wood, and while the boughs and ferns made well for sleeping, a roof over our heads is a bit more to our liking this eve, as would be the comfort of a fine home-cooked meal." Stolos adds, "We would, of course, offer coin or service in exchange for both of these things."
"My companions are also looking for some travelers that may have passed through here lately," Stolos adds, remembering the purpose of their journey. "Calex can give you a better description of who we're seeking than I, but perhaps this discussion would be best held over dinner?"
Calex releases Aniktah's hand, gives her a reassuring touch on the shoulder and steps forward to help give a further explanation.
"Hello and good evening! I am Calex, wizard of Woodbridge. We are indeed on a search for a few of our friends. We hail from the river hold of the same name. Not long ago our home was attacked by a force of Trafganor warriors, and we were only able to fend them off due to the fact part of the village was built upon an island in the river. We successfully defended the island until a force of Alodoans came to relieve the siege. Two of our more important people left to warn the surrounding lands that the attackers were still out there. When they hadn't returned in timely manner we grew worried and so have come in search of them. We're looking for a pair of maetaur, named Cicily & Dominic who should be accompanied by an elderly Urandoman human lady with one hand named Auria. We had cut across the woods in hopes of getting ahead of them, since we were told they were to travel in this direction. Has there perhaps been sight or word of them, Goodman Rowenland?"
The small crowd sitting at the tables stretch from their seats, first forward and then back as each tries to get a good look at the travelers who’ve come to the hamlet.
Aniktah, after being reassured by Calex, moves intelligently among the group, shuffling this way and that way to keep the view of her as obscured behind the others as she can.
At Stolos’ request, people at the table begin talking amongst themselves, and you can overhear them as they each try to persuade a neighbor to make a barn or stable available to the strangers, rather than anyone coming forward volunteering their own property.
When Calex mentions Woodbridge, a burly looking ranger stands up from the table. He has a good number of weapons strapped to his belt, and a long, two-handed sword, on his back. He moves quickly to Calex, and then spotting Aniktah behind him, he makes a menacing growl.
Woodbridge? the man says after his growl, and then stares Calex in the eyes, as if he is summing up the wizard, and then says, all the while glancing behind Calex toward Aniktah You say you are from Woodbridge, and your name is Calex.
He pauses for a moment, and then stares at each of the members of the party, as if he is gauging each of you against some secret he holds and then finally he says, Your witch, Auria, is here in this village. She is in bad shape, but she is going to pull through. Sit, eat, have something to drink and I will tell you what she told me.
A whole group of people clears away from the second table as room is made for all of you, the man stands at the end of the table, as food is moved, cups and plates arranged for each of you
My name is Carter, Cater Bassman and I am a Groundsman, a friend of your D’ieredon D ’atarisian. I found Auria wandering blind on the western perimeter of the Green wood, last night. She and her companions had originally been headed toward Otter’s Lake, but came upon a band of Tafganor in the woods. I’m sorry to tell you that Dominic was killed He looks past Aniktah and lets his gaze fall on Calamity and Darlene. The one called Cicily was captured by the Tafganor, but Auria managed to escape. Auria had been badly wounded, her left arm was broken, and she was hit on the side of the head hard enough to cause her to lose her eyesight, she was left for dead with her companion, the Maetaur, but she overheard her friend’s cries for help and believed that Cicily was alive when she was captured.
Early this morning I went into the woods, to a lyph homestead I know of, and tried to learn if there was any sight of these Tafganor. I’m afraid the news gets worse. North of here, along the western boarder of the Green Wood is a series of hills, the tallest of these hills is called Rowen Hill, for the several large trees that grow there. On the eastern side of the hill there is a cave, and a natural spring that is sacred to the Maetaur people. You might have crossed the creek that is fed by this spring if you came from the east, from the woods. The water is unusually clear, warm, and rich in dissolved minerals that some say have special healing qualities.
For many years the Maetaur have maintained a protected shrine at the entrance to this cave at Rowen Hill, and the shrine was guarded by many Maetaur. My contacts among the lyph folk have said that the Tafganor who captured the Maetaur woman, Cicily, have attacked the shrine, killed the guardians of that place, and have begun removing bricks from within the shrine. A young cave giant guards the entrance to the shrine, and the Tafganor are joined by a pair of trolls. The lyph believe that in ages past the Maetaur people sealed some treasure belonging to the Tafganor below that hill and it looks like the Tafganor are determined to recover it. I have made a full report of the situation and I intend to ride for Castletown at first light. You friend Auria is resting now, but after you have had something to eat, and drink, I will take you to her.
The man seems uncomfortable, and as the gnomes take a seat at the table, he says, I will take you, and maybe one other, but not more than that. She is weak, and I don't think she will respond well to a flood of attention.
"If by her other companion, you mean another Maetaur such as myself.... I would like to be the second."
Calamity thinks over the information of the spring that she had just heard "It seems I have more to learn of my people than I thought... Theft? From the Maetaur? My people of the Mingary Bend? That seems so foreign... so unusual... I need to find the truth."
She would put a gentle hand on Robert's shoulder with a smile "I'm sure we will be able to make Auria all right. I owe her that, at least, since it seems she is the key to finding my Cicily."
Female Human Oracle of life (Divine herbalist) 1 +6 init +perc, to hit, F+, R + , W +, Max HP , AC
yer not da only fella that can glint at folk and make eyes. We are here ta do a good thing for folk and families that are missin loved ones. Keep yer glares to yerself. Ravena gives a stance with the hands on her hips and a glare if her own wanting her friends to get what they need.
"Thank you for looking after our lost, Groundsman Bassman. These trafganor have become a true danger. I'll make sure D'ieredon knows of your help. The gnomes we travel with also encountered trafganor near by, but in this case they were too strong a threat for the orcs to confront. The two sides did some exchanging- the gnomes acquired an enslaved and abused 1\2-orc girl whom we freed. The village here might not be safe from the raiders, and I hope your folks are being proactive about their defense. In any event it seems we're on another rescue mission as soon as possible. We'll need your further help, Groundsman, to locate this shrine and retrieve Cicily from them before she suffers anything more."
Cal listens then nods at Rob & Calamity's requests, and adds "Family is important- she might be more comfortable knowing she's got a piece of home caring for her. And Calamity is a priestess among her people. She may lend her divine touch to Auria's recovery. A good idea. There is the matter of poor Dominic as well. Were you able to recover his remains? I don't know how the maetaur services are treated, but he was a friend to Woodbridge and if Calamity is able, I would see him treated as an honored fallen."
Calex will wait for the others to leave, in order to not call more attention to Aniktah, but once they have a moment he reclaims her hand & says "I think you'll be encountering much anger from our folk, as they react to the threat of the orcs. If it becomes too much for you come to me and I'll try to offer refuge or help diffuse it. Now, what can you tell me, if anything, about these attacks? What are they looking for?"
If her condition becomes critical, please do not hesitate to ask for my help. In the meantime, I will defer to your good judgment, master Rowenland.
He moves up behind Calex.
In the meantime, let's discuss what our options are going forward. We know where they are going, we have some idea of their goals, we can do this properly.
not much to say, but while this is all going on, Stolos will be getting to know the locals and seeing if there's any small work he can provide using his skills as a stonemason to compensate for a barn or some thing for the group to rest in.
When Darlene finally grasps what has been said, she falls down upon her front knees and buries her head in her hands, crying uncontrollably.
As Robert and Calamity wait to be taken to see Auria, Calamity thinks hard about what she knows of her people’s history
Calamity:
The Maetaur do not tell stories, often, of their ancient past and the conflict in this land with the ancient Tafganor. What she does know is that a long, long time ago, a coalition of Maetaur tribes, under a great Druidess called, Wilmorra Greyskies, with the help of a small community of Gymnaga-folk and humans, defeated a powerful (possibly giant) Tafganor warlord, sealing his defeated army in a mountain far to the south. During this ancient period of conflict with the Tafganor some powerful heroes and their enemies were buried in tombs which the locations of have been lost (kept secret for too many generations). It is possible that this place, the Rowen Hill, now covers one of these burial tombs of a legendary hero or enemy of the Maetaur people). No one in Mingary bend (where you are from) knows anything about Rowen Hill, not even Cicily
Carter is about to lead Robert and Calamity away when Ravena takes a stand of defiance in his way, and dresses the big man down for his arrogance
The ranger folds his arms across his chest, and then rubs his chin.
I’ve had the displeasure of crossing halflings of the northern sea before. Please accept my apology. These are difficult times, and I must be cautious of strangers. I am an Alodoan myself, from Vurespania originally, but I have been here in Orimar* for seven years, and I have been charged with keeping an eye on the situation, the coming and going of different people, the moving of wild herds, the usual work of the Groundsmen, here near Gowan’s crossing for the past three years. I’ve not seen these folk before, but they do met the description of people Auria told me might be looking for her.
He then turns back to Calex, and says I have no experience with these Tafganor myself, but they fit the description of people my father used to tell me about who come from the southern country of Tarulle, as you have said, they were once known there as orcs, but it is considered rude to call them by that name these days. I hear, from the locals here and the Maetaur at Otters Lake that this is the first time in over a hundred years that these Tafganor have been seen this far north. I know very little about the ways of the strange and different peoples of the world, but I have learned this in service to the empire, when a people move in great numbers, suddenly, it is usually because some other people are forcing them to move
He then looks at the rough, barbaric looking gnomes and says I have met gnome-like people in western Alodoa, but I did not know they had cousins here on Orimar. I must add this to my report
When Calex mention’s Aniktah’s background, the people gathered around move in closer, not in a hostile way, but to get a better look at the strangely attractive half-tafganor girl.
You know that slavery is outlawed in the empire of Alodoa, Citizen Calex. the ranger says I wonder exactly what her place was among her people, these Tafganor, if they are in the practice of buying and selling citizens of the empire, they are in for a rude awakening. I must deliver all this news to Castletown as quickly as possible. You say a force of soldiers from Castletown is in Woodbridge/ How far away is Woodbridge and how many soldiers are there?
We were able to make Auria’s condition stable through the help of a druid who lives south of here, a Maetaur who is something of an eccentric fellow, but who was willing to come late last night when called to help the little village here. I was not able to recover Dominic’s body, but I know where it lies, Auria gave me a good description of the lay of the land when they were attacked, but I don’t think that these were the same Tafganor who attacked the gnomes you met. This group, according to Auria was large, with a giant and two trolls in their party. The gnomes would have certainly mentioned these creatures if they had come across them. That means there are at least two groups of Tafganor in the Green Wood.
Carter leaves with Robert and Clamity, and Calex turns to Aniktah with questions.
NPC: F half-orc Cleric/2 | AC 12, t 12, ff 10 | hp 17/17 | f +4, r +2, w +5 | Init +2 |
Aniktah looks frightened, uneasy, as the crowed gawks at her, then she moves close to Calex and the others and says, quietly
I really don’t know, for certain, but I have overheard some things. Lorgrad the Stone Hand wants to reclaim the ancient right of rule over all the Tafganor tribes of the southern mountains. He has learned that there is a way to open the seal to the great Hall of King Nasknargog, but that is all he learned, that there is a way. I think he must be searching for clues to the details of this mystery in the ancient burial tombs of the Tafganor and giant heroes who fell in battle with the Maetaur. Our legends say that great treasures of our people were hidden away from us by the spells of the Maetaur.
As Carter is leaving, Marwan offers his help, and Carter takes the man’s hand, looking at him strangely.
You are from Vurespania, yes? You have the look of a man I met in Seaport, in Harrispania, many years ago, perhaps he was a distant relative. When I return, I would like to hear any news you might have from the mainland, if you have any
While everyone tries to settle in, and plans are discussed on what should happen next, after all, a trip to the Rowen Hill seems like it is in the future, but a giant, and trolls, this is seriously dangerous business.
Apostolos makes friends with the locals, and learns that they are in desperate need of a skilled stonemason. There is a foundation, just south of the hamlet, of old stones, and the people were collecting them for use in building fireplaces, but a wall at the ruin recently collapsed, nearly injuring a few people who were gathering good shaped and sized stones, and the people here would like someone with knowledge of stonework to take a look at the ruin and tell them what is safe to collect and what should be avoided.
In answer to Carter's questions, Calex thinks a moment then answers. "Woodbridge lies about 2 days from here, about a single day east of Castletown along the bank of the Lorisaine. When we left at least a score or more was building a barracks to provide protection to our home. Georgiana Rulais herself had accompanied them, although she said she would be soon returning to Lady Anticus. I left Marcus Dale, a friend and good man of honest yeoman stock, as my Steward there in my absence."
Speaking quietly to Aniktah, Cal points out a detail of Carter's words he thinks she should notice. "Did you hear him? He mentioned that slavery among the Imperials is forbidden. Take heart that, though you may face censure, no one may again enslave you while you live under the shield of the Empire."
Carter listens to Calex, while Robert and Calamity grow impatient.
Groundsman Rulais you say? Woodbridge is in good hands. When I reach Castletown, I will wait for her return, and tell her you reached me here.
He says no more and then leads Robert and Calamity away.
Carter goes two houses down from where the tables sit and knocks on the door. A man, old but not frail, opens the door and lets him in, not concerned about the strangers entering his house.
It is a small cottage, only three rooms. There is the main room, where you entered the cottage, and against the left wall there is a closed door, and to the right of this and opening into a small kitchen.
Carter takes you to the door, knocks softly on it, and then opens it.
There is an old woman sitting by a bed. The bed is large enough for two people, and lying near the edge, under a thin blanket lies Auria the One Handed.
Her head is bandaged, and there is dark bruising visible at the edge of the wrappings near her left ear and eye. Her left arm is bound to her chest with wrappings, and for the first time Robert can clearly see her left hand. It is not missing, as many people of Woodbridge believe, but instead is suffering from some form of disease or affliction. The last two fingers of her left hand are curled up tightly into the palm of her hand, while the other fingers seem gnarled and unusable.
It seems that Auria the One Handed has two hands, but only has the use of her right hand, normally.
Auria is awake, her eyes are open, but she does not respond to you when you enter.
Carter clears his throat and says, Ma’am, Miss Panforey, I’ve found some friends from your village. They were looking for you and your travelling companions.
He then gestures to the two of you, Robert and Calamity, as if to tell you to introduce yourselves.
Stolos enjoys the food and company while Zelo plays with children. He agrees to take a look at the ruins, and expresses a willingness to take a look as soon as possible.
If there is daylight enough, Stolos will go now, if not he'll take a look at first light.
Calex gives a wry smile at Aniktah's question, and explains "They are one and the same. The Alodoan Empire is an immense land of many peoples. Because they all are part of the Empire, they are often referred to as Imperials, since they are all citizens of the Empire. A few years ago, the Warlords of Urandoma foolishly took up piracy, raiding the Empire's ships. When the problem grew to a point the Empire could no longer ignore, they acted. Pitted against so vast a power, the warlords, who for centuries had barbarically abused those they ruled and come to believe their bullying and abuse made them superior, found themselves completely over-matched. Some fought when the Alodoan forces landed, and were destroyed. Some chose to surrender. I'm unsure what became of them- they may have decided life exiled from Urandoma was preferred to having to face the people they had brutalized for so long. Most others, cowardly bullies that they were, abandoned Urandoma to its new lords, stripping what wealth they could and leaving for other lands.
This solved the problem of the pirates, but left the Alodoans the problem of suddenly having a vast new land thrust under their rule. They've been slowly establishing outposts of Imperial authority to help introduce the Empire's concepts of law & order, with legal equality for all citizens. It's slow going, however, due to the size of this land, and the mistrust the locals have for outside authority after being only just freed from the warlord's control." Fairly sure I got most of this right. I'm a little hazy on the Empire's actual political organization- everything seems quasi-fuedal with shades of a British parliamentary system- A council of lords, set above a people's senate, with the Imperial Family and Emperor as head of state and ultimate source of authority. Does that sound right, Terquem?
spot on mate. Each country of Alodoa, including Alodoa itself, is ruled by a house of lords, but they can only interpret law. If they wish to make a law, either for something within their boarders or something that affects the whole of Alodoa, then the emperor must approve. Calex would call this land Urandoma, as he has been living here for a while and that is what the locals call it, while people to the west, on the mainland, such as those from Harrispania and Vurespania, would call this island Orimar.
Male Human Fighter 1| AC 18 T 12 FF 16 CMD 16 (18 v Trip and disarm)|12/12 HP | F +4 R +2 W +3 | Init +2 | Perc +6
Robert quietly moves over to the side of the bed so Auria can see him well, "Miss Auria, I'm glad to see you're alive. I don't know that Rebecca would still want me if I came back with bad news about you. You just rest up and get well and we'll make sure you get back in time for the wedding. Is there anything I can do for you now?"
"Ravena, try some of this brown ale," Stolos says, sliding a tankard towards the halfling. "It tastes just like fall feels. Mr. Samuelson has done a fantastic job with this batch."
Giving Ravena a moment to enjoy her food, Stolos continues, "I was wondering if you'd be interested in joining me on a small adventure. There's some ruins south of here that I'm going to take a look at, and I was hoping you'd accompany me."
Normally Calamity would bow, curtsy, cover her mouth and speak with a soft voice. But she needed to begin to form herself after the Royal now that her discipline had been well formed. Now that she no longer had the cloth about her mouth she had to remember that she was free to speak, though not always and directly her mind.
"I am Calamity, a Maetaur from Mingary Bend and born under the Royal. I am afraid I do not know you, but I am familiar with Cicily. Please, tell me what happened, as two of my people were with you. I was sent to find them, and gather as much information as I could for what is happening here."
Calamity would put her hands on Auria's one "Would you tell us what happened? Why you are out here with my peoples' elders?"
