Ye Old Storyteller |
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29th of January 1165 AS
A new year has already begun in the western edge of Erathian territory. The town of Greenbrook has had some snowfall over the months december and january, but the winter weather seems to have calmed down alot, even getting warm.
The arriving spring has brought an abundance of game towards the outskirts of the woods, but also the first few travellers from the neighbouring villages. Two tradesmen from the nearby town of Heartham, some 16 miles away, arrived 4 days ago with an order for your tradesmen. Apparently their resources have become unaccessible over the winter and they need some extra tools and supplies to clear the area.
Nathaniel Thames |
Nathaniel had just finished with the 5th of 5 sturdy spades. Looking at them, he whiped his forehead.
Aside from that he still had 5 scale mail and 5 bucklers to make. Looking at them, he whiped his forehead.
"You'd almost think they're equipping small patrols or a townwatch with this. Is there something going on over there in Heartham?"
Dismissing the thought from his mind for now he resumed his work, starting with the scale mails.
Elenzar the Bastard |
Elenzar greeted the gallant man politely and made sure that Elder Arthin was notified immediately. Elenzar sent word to the other elders to gather to meet with the visitor from Heartham. Elenzar made note of the meeting and kept record of the issues raised. After the meeting he was surprised to be asked out but did as he was asked. As things grew heated he tried to listen in. Frustrated that all he could make out is emotion his mind wandered through such meetings that he remembers from growing up at the manor.
"This is not a good sign." His hand went to his side even though he was not wearing his rapier. "Perhaps it is time to get my rapier sharpened."
After the initial visit Elenzar dropped by the smith in the hopes someone can re-wrap the handle of his rapier properly and repair the edge. "Hello I understand you all are a bit busy of late but I have what I think might be an easy job. I just was hoping that to get the handle repaired, a little rust removed and clean up the edge. I know its not much of a sword now but it was my father's and is of elf make. I have 4 gold that I can pay today. I would be happy to offer my services as a scribe if that is insufficient for payment."
Nathaniel Thames |
Nathaniel saw the town's scribe Elenzar walk in. Seeing as it was a simple thing to do and he had just finished the 1st buckler;
"Well, if it isn't scribe Elenzar. Let me have a look at that then.
I'm more of an armorsmith, but the craftsmanship on the rapier is great. That little task is hardly the cost of 4 gp, it doesn't cost us materials."
He rummages with the tools behind him, takes the rapier and works to remove the rust and the minor fixes. He returns to Elenzar.
"Tell you what, instead of the gp, do you know anything going on with those merchant types? They seemed anxious for some reason."
Elenzar the Bastard |
Elenzar looks about eager to share a bit of gossip, but makes sure that the others are not paying close attention. "Nathaniel right? Well that is one of the reasons I am here. I don't know anything in detail but one of the riders from Heartham spoke of the things here that they wanted on order. After he talked trade with the council he spoke privately with Elder Arthin. Whatever it was it did not sit well with either of them there discussion was very tense. I will keep my ears open for more though. Thank you for the help with the rapier. How are things here at the forge."
Nathaniel Thames |
"Well, it's as if they are making orders to arm a small town watch or patroll. My few fellow smiths are working on pickaxes and some basic weapons. I just finished shovels and got a request for 5 scale mails and 5 bucklers. Outfits are not unusual, however if they order the exact amount in shovels and pickaxes, it's more as if they're going into the mining business. They don't quite strike me as the types for it though."
Elenzar the Bastard |
Elenzar thinks a moment sweeping his hair behind his ears. "Could be they have discovered a small claim of some kind. That would explain the tools and the need to outfit more guards. Can they not make these items in Haeartham though? Why would this cause concern with Elder Arthin? Strange things are affot in Greenbrook"
David Trufant III |
David watches his father as he finishes up the last of the alchemical items for the work order. Farher is never like this. He is always careful and diligent with his work. Something has his mind torn in two. Should I ask him about it though, he is very proud?
Father, is there... as his voice trails off for a moment pondering if how to proceed, is there anything I can do to help this order? Seems like a large work order, I don't ever recall one being this big before.
Nathaniel Thames |
Nathaniel nods agreeing with Elenzar.
"Well, i'll be busy for a while more. Maybe you can find out more at the other shops. If they're putting in such orders and rattling with the village elder, i doubt it affects solely us smiths."
Forfax |
Forfax approaches the wounded deer carefully and slowly so as not the scare it. With a quick jerk he removes the axe from the poor beast's side. Even with the axe removed it's very apparent that the deer will not make it. Forfax decides to do the honorable thing and put it out of it's misery. Using the found axe he swings at the deer's throat, ending it's life quickly and much less painfully. After looking over the carcass he is sad to find that only a few tiny scraps of meat avoided the infection and thus the entire deer was inedible and so he left it for the scavengers of the forest to have, but the axe he took home.
After getting to his house he quietly snuck the axe to his room for a closer examination. Forfax first took an old rag, wet it and got to the job of cleaning the blood off of it. Would I roll an appraise check to learn about what kind of axe this is? Just in case it is:
Appraise check: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
If that's not enough to find out much about it:
Forfax, oblivious to the goings on of the town at large, brings his "new" axe to the blacksmiths shop and is surprised to find that they all look over worked and overly exhausted. He walks up to the first blacksmith he sees, Nathaniel, and asks "Excuse me kind smith, but what's going on here? Why Is everyone so over worked?"
Nathaniel Thames |
Nathaniel looks up to see Forfax coming up.
"Mr. Forfax, good morning. Well, you may have noticed those merchants who arrived from Heartham. They've placed orders that has me and my fellow smiths working overtime. Seems they are in quite a hurry to get supplies and equipment.
"Elenzar the scribe told me one of them went for an audience with the village elders to discuss trade. Afterwards one of them wanted a one on one chat with elder Arthin and things got heated. That's all i know. But maybe Elenzar can tell you more. I suggested him visiting the other shops."
"That's it on our part, anything happen at your end?"
Ye Old Storyteller |
-David
Your father looks at you with a puzzled and anxious look, sighs and then says: "You have done enough for today son, I'm just working on some extra things as a bonus gift. A large order as today doesn't come every day. You may help for a bit, but you'd better have dinner and take the night off. There's nothing to worry about."
1d20 ⇒ 13
-Forfax
You can see the axe is not a waraxe or made for woodcutting, though the axe looks pretty crude, the balance of it is remarkable. Someone else might tell you more about it.
-Nathaniel
The blacksmiths in the joint forge are father and son, Alanor and Richard Greythumb respectively. You haven't talked to them in days except for small talk.
Taliesin Flamel |
Taliesin is taking care of both horses, carefully selecting appropriate horseshoes. He would select strong and sturdy one made more to endure the road than made for faster horses. He will care to rub their legs down and stretch them. Making sure the horses could make another extended long trip.
Nathaniel Thames |
Nathaniel had just finished the last piece of the order. Whiping his forehead he looked back at the equipment, all seemed decent. He went over to the other half of the forge, where Alanor and Richard Greythumb were just rounding up their work as well.
"Hey there. Armor's all done. Alanor, i really want to ask, as i hadn't asked before. What is the deal with those tradesmen from Heartam? Are we making outfits for an armed escort for a mining expedition of some sort? With the pickaxes and shovels it would suggest so. The guy who made the order also seemed in quite a hurry to get the order done."
Ye Old Storyteller |
Richard looks to his father, who merely shrugs at the question.
"You could tell him Richard, he is working so hard for it as well."
Richard, a young man in his mid-twenties, stops with cleaning and hangs up his apron. He pulls up a stool and sits down at the workbench and calls you over (Nathaniel).
He whispers to the armorsmith.
"I had thought they'd tell you this themselves, but don't tell this anyone else."
Richard leans in closer. "They are ordering armor and equipment here, because they have had trouble with their mines. It seems a large band of goblins has moved in there and broken almost everything there. Not only that, the watches of Heartham have seen more goblins roaming around the countryside and skirmishes between their militia and goblins has ensued. I'm guessing the two riders have come to ask for any aid possible and to warn us for any goblin raids."
Richard stands back up and collects his tools. "If Heartham has trouble with goblins, Greenbrook might have a big problem."
Forfax |
Forfax listens to Nathaniel intently, then feels the extra weight on his arm and remembers why he came here in the first place. Looking to Nathaniel he says "Oh yeah, I found this axe hanging out of a deer in the woods today and was hoping if you had a minute if you wouldn't mind looking it over and telling me what kind of axe it is?" Forfax then proceeds to hand Nathaniel the axe and wait intently.
Elenzar the Bastard |
Elenzar makes his way around inquiring gently about the recent orders and rumors from Hearthham.
gater information time: 1d4 ⇒ 2
diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16
After a couple hours asking around Elenzar heads home when he checks in with elder Arthin he risks bringing up the issue. "Elder Arthin, I have been in the village today. It seems the orders from Heartham have stirred some. Is there cause for concern?"
David Trufant III |
sense: 1d20 ⇒ 4
Okay father, come get dinner soon too. We have had a long day, with that David will put his tools away and wash up for dinner behind takes a quick look back at father as he continues to work, he lets out a small sigh, and heads back to the house for dinner like he was told I just hope he doesn't work himself to the bone
Ye Old Storyteller |
1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
Elder Arthin looks up as though spooked by your question.
"No no my dear Elenzar, there is no need to be alarmed. We need to make a few arrangements that's all."
The old man goes back to reading and writing a paper of sorts, but then turns back to you again.
"I have however a job you could do for me in a few minutes. It involves copying and distributing this letter I am writing down. You are excused for now."
As Elder Arthin waves you away you turn around, but you hear his voice calling you again.
"Elenzar? I know you still have a rapier from your father. Did you ever practise with it?"
Nathaniel Thames |
Before talking to the Greythumbs:
Forfax
"Ok, let me have a look. Hmm..shorter hilt, slightly smaller blade."
Nathaniel casually waves it around in his hand.
"This is a throwing axe. See this, it's smaller so that it's more balanced. However, it's rather of crude making. So it is either an axe somebody made himself, or it's from outside of Erathia. Erathians make better quality than this."
And he hands the axe back to Forfax.
Elenzar the Bastard |
sense motive: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (13) - 1 = 12
"I know which end to point where. I even had it repaired and sharpened. I will await your letter and see it sent proptly." He pauses a monent as he leaves. [b]"I hope I do not over step my bounds here but sonething does press hard on you. It is plain. You are a good leader and have shepherded these people many years. Are we safer keeping the issue quiet for fear of panic or to know it openly and not be caught by surprize." Elenzar stiffens up fearing he may have pushed the issue to hard and goes to leave the room.
Ye Old Storyteller |
-Elenzar
You can only hear a deep sigh of worry from Elder Arthin as you leave the room.
-Forfax
Richard Greythumb approaches you.
"Please forgive me overhearing your conversation, but I could sharpen it and clean it after dinner. You could pick it up first thing in the morning."
Then he realizes how his offer could sound in the ears of the armorsmith.
"No disrespect to you of course Nathaniel, but we were with two people working on the order, you were alone. I figured you deserved some rest as well." He says apologetically.
-David
Well over 2 hours after you finished dinner, your father steps in for some dinner as well. His face is full of ash and his left hand is wounded and bound. Your mother shakes her head in disbelief.
"You really did it to yourself this time, you could have taken it easier you know? Even when you started you never did this to yourself."
Your father simply replies, "It's done now, perhaps tomorrow I can relax a bit when working." He turns his attention to you as he eats mashes the potatoes on his plate.
"David, tomorrow we can ease up, but I have some specific ideas for our work."
-Taliesin
Late in the afternoon, when you are ready to go home for dinner, you see Nathan Heminson approaching.
"Good afternoon, stablemaster. How fare you and our horses this day?"
He waits for a reply, before he continues.
"Our job in Greenbrook is done, we will leave tomorrow as soon as we can, but we might need a few extra horses to carry all our supplies. We don't want to be slowed down too much by pulling a cart. Are there any good riders in town that you know off that might accompany us?"
Elenzar the Bastard |
Elenzar grows deeply concerned by the resignation he senses from Arthin. "He barely responded to my challenge to his authority. While he is not a stern man I would have expected some rebuke. Perhaps my years with my uncle has not trained me to deal well with good leaders. Whatever is afoot. It is dangerous, but how dangerous I do not know.
Elenzar waits patiently for the letter to be scribed. Almost absent mindedly he draws forth his rapier pleased to see its new edge and fixed point. He goes through the basic routine that he practices on rare occasion. He moves smoothly and swiftly trying to recall the movements he learned by watching from a distance as others were trained in the yard. "I hope that I know enough . . . curse my uncle . . . why would he not see me properly trained."
Ye Old Storyteller |
After some time has passed, Arthin calls your name.
"Elenzar, you may come in now."
You see the old man sitting behind his desk, his hands trembling as he holds out a paper for you to take.
"Copy this and make sure it is delivered to the families written at the bottom."
He sighs again, "You may want to read it as well, it concerns everybody, but we don't want total chaos to break out just yet."
The letter reads.
My trusted friends and patriarchs, no doubt you have heard of the two riders or even talked to them about this.
Heartham is in trouble, the people there feel not safe from the growing number of goblins settling near their mines. They have even seen bands of goblins roaming the countryside.
In the last few days, our tradesmen have worked hard to give out any aid they could for these two brave couriers from our neighbouring town. By helping them we help ourselves, as long as Heartham holds out, we can expect fewer problems from these goblins.
Though we have lived in peaceful times, I must now ask you to prepare for a fight, as even Marek Vors and Nathan Heminson, the two riders, have witnessed goblins on their way here. The Greythumbs have offered their weapon supply and new weapons for our strong of arm men and women. I must ask you now for assistance in securing the village and perhaps a safe route to Tidewater for our wives and children.
May the gods smile on us in these dark times.
At the bottom is listed a number of families this letter must be delivered.
The Greythumbs
The Oakhalls (a vast family, popular through their carpenting skills)
The Tarkins (The main livestock holders inside the village)
The Demaskis family
The Thistleleaf family (makers of carts, wheelbarrows and large farm equipment)
The Thames family
The Trufant family
The Flamel family
The Garrocks (a strong family of masons)
You recognise many of the family names as being the largest in the community or being the owners of many tradeshops around the village.
Elenzar the Bastard |
Elenzar sits at his desk disturbed for a few moments at the approach of danger. He eyes the sword at his hip. He clears his head and begins to write quickly but neatly. Once complete he seals each letter and makes his way to each of the families.
Nathaniel Thames |
As he is cleaning his hands and forehead Nathaniel sees Elenzal arriving with a worried look on his face.
"A letter? Let me have a look then."
Nathaniel carefully reads the entire message, and another time afterwards.
"So...as i'm understanding this we are to rally to Heartham's defenses? Wow.....my guess on the mining was correct, but this is a whole other matter. Guess there's no choice i suppose, Heartham's closeby, so if they fall we fall too.... Thanks for the delivery, i'll have to go have a talk with the Greythumbs. I'll probably see you in the town hall. Meetings are always held there. I'll hear when the time comes for that to happen."
"Elenzar, one other thing; hopefully you've had practice with your rapier, they just might send you with us to make reports on this thing.", he said with a half joking, half serious tone.
Elenzar the Bastard |
Chuckling, "Yes your champion has arrived." Growing serious, "I have no ill will for Heartham indeed our aid to them helps us, but I worry more about the defenses here and possibly getting some to Tidewater if needs be. Though if going to Heartham indeed buys time or works for the defense of those here I would be willing to do what needs be done."
Nathaniel Thames |
Nathaniel nods.
"Still, if we leave everybody behind to go to Heartham, they'd need one heck of a backup plan here in case things go wrong. Preperations only get you so far. Maybe the Thistleleafs could make some sturdy wagons with which the other townsfolk could escape in, if things get ugly."
David Trufant III |
at the dinner table
What type of works did you have in mind?
letter
David will take the letter and hand it over to his father. He watches his father for any clues as to what words are contained within. Well father, what does it say? Why all the formality? What are we to do?. David waits to hear from his father, and stands there speechless.
All of this is so sudden. One day we were making some salves for the local farmers to protect their rough hands. Now we are being asked provide reinforcements and leave town. Stupid goblins, they had to ruin our peaceful life. I suppose that if the neighboring town falls, so will we. I would rather go down protecting our home. . All the thoughts race around David's mind like a churning eddy.
Ye Old Storyteller |
-Elenzar
Most families nod as they receive the letter, going pale as they read it, they thank you and return inside, probably to think over what they have just read.
The head of the Garrock family however, a gruff and bulky man around 50 years of age, solemly nods and says. "So this is it huh? We knew this day would come eventually. Tell Elder Arthin that we will be ready to face those greenskins."
As he enters he house again, you can hear him call his sons and brothers.
"Lads we've got some training to do tomorrow, goblin trouble will end at our doorstep."
-David
"Flasks of Acid, flasks of Alchemist's Fire, that sort of thing.", before your father has time to eloborate, a knock on the door can be heard.
As Elenzar delivers the Elder's Letter, you can see that he has a slight look of worry over him.
As your father finishes the last few bites he reads the letters, he nods and mumbles.
"So it's even sooner than they expected eh?"
He stands, walks up to you and puts an arm on your shoulder.
"David," he searches for the words, "Read this letter, it says it all." He looks you right in the eyes. "You can help me with the flasks, but then I'd rather you stay safe and go towards Tidewater. I expect Arthin to announce preparations for that soon as well." He loosens his grip on your shoulder and walks over to your mother, hugging her tightly and whispering to her.
Love the roleplaying so far, you can continue to do so in the evening of the first day. I'll skip to the next morning in a while
Forfax |
To Richard Greythumb back in the blacksmiths shop:
"If your workload isn't too great that would be wonderful...if you don't mind that is" he says turning to Nathanial. And to both he replies "You can never go wrong with a good hatchet when the fall slaughter rolls around."
Taliesin Flamel |
taliesin read the letter and passed it along.
So what now what is this all about, we have to fight? and they are talking about hordes of goblins. It does makes sense to bunch up and grow our numbers but we are ill prepared and besides a good fist fight none of us have any experience. How many will come back i wonder... .
Ye Old Storyteller |
30th of January 1165 AS
The night passes peacefully, though many informed villagers have had an uneasy time sleeping. It has rained last night and the ground is wet, muddy even, though in the morning the sun shines brightly.
The next morning, quite early (around 7 in the morning), there is a knock on each door of the informed families.
At the door stands one of the elders, inviting the family's patriarch and maximum of four others to join them in the Village Hall.
The families of the elders are also present as you enter, one of the first apparently, together with the Greythumbs and Garrocks. Marek Vors and Nathan Heminson are also present.
As eventually all that were called are there, Elder Arthin climbs to the podium and starts to speak.
"My friends and townsmen, as you all know from my letter, trouble is brewing close to Heartham and therefore close to us. Now is the time to band together and make a decision. We have several options, though all of them would probably result in losing our village."
A ruckus of voices starts as some of the members of the Thistleleaf and Tarkin family shout up. "What about our farms and animals? must we discard them so easily?"", "Are these goblins even a real threat?"
Some of them are quieted by their own family, others are quieted by Rogin Garrock, the head of the family, that stood up and bellowed. "Quiet!" A simple nod by Rogin let Elder arthin to continue.
"The goblins are a real threat, I don't have any reason to not trust these men here on their word." He gestures with a hand towards the two riders of Heartham.
"Our options are painful to say the least. We can fashion carts and wheelbarrows to take up most of our people and goods west to Tidewater, where we will be safer than here. We can band together with Heartham to help them withstand this threat. Or we stay and make our stand here. Regardless of our choice, we have to be ready for a fight."
A ruckus of voices starts again as now more families shout questions and ideas. The bellowing voice of Rogin Garrock, silences them again.
"Please one at a time, hold up your hand if you have a question or an idea."
You're up with questions and ideas
Ye Old Storyteller |
Elder Arthin sees Talisien put up his hand and points at him to speak.
After Talisien asks his question, he turns to the two riders.
Nathan Heminson stands and answers the question.
"Our gem and gold mines we're captured by a group of just above hundred goblins, they drove us out of there before we had a chance to prepare a defense. A hundred goblins is still not much of a threat for Heartham, but our scouts have seen several groups of 20-40 goblins roaming around the countryside burning and looting villages."
He hesitates for a moment, looks back at Marek, who just shrugs.
"We estimate the goblins around Heartham to number well over 300. We've also seen, at the first day of our journey, groups of 10-15 goblins moving west. We do not know why the goblins are so aggressive all of a sudden."
Taliesin Flamel |
So how our dilemma is this: if we leave to reinforce Heartham and really win the major battle we leave our village undefended against the small roaming band. How about this then: We mobilize also, we track and defend our surrounding village increasing the radius of our ranging. During this time you mobilize the rest of the militia and we its is ready we all converge on the main goblin camp and crush them as soon as you possible. Then we split again to track the splinters.
David Trufant III |
perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
David looks on during the gathering. Questions swirling around in his head, yet unsure of where to begin.
Father and I can create acid vials galore to rain down on these vile creatures.
After uttering those words, David thinks back on how hard it was to create the work order yesterday, and how hard it would be to create enough product to drive back the invasion. He has only heard of goblins through tales and myths from his pappa.
Elenzar the Bastard |
perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
Elenzar raises a hand and waits till called. "Have the attacks been mapped out by your forces? It might help determine if these raids are wanton pillaging or if they are scouting scirmishes probing our defenses."
Ye Old Storyteller |
As Taliesin continues his suggestions, Nathan carefully listens to him, nodding now and then as he takes in the words.
Everyone nods with approval as David offers his help in making weapons as well.
Elder Arthin, points out a few more hands when he eventually comes to Elenzar.
"As far as we know, they have pillaged our gold and gem mine and burned down surrounding farmsteads. Before we left we heard that another sizeable group has taken refuge at our logging site. It may be that they are trying to weaken our position or fortifying their own."
He points back at Taliesin.
"This might also be an answer to your deliberations. You provide a tactic that we have thought of, however we need 200 men or so to defend our town. Now our soldiers and scouting parties skirmish with goblin parties that increase in size each passing day, we don't know if the original one hundred goblins at the mine are still there or if their numbers have grown."