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"then A'loran I can understand you have a lot to be angry about."Kava sighs looking pensive. "We still have a way to go to get to Fallcrest, but this might take longer still. Would you like to talk about it. Forgive me, I don't mean to patronize; it's just I'd have a lot to say and I would think hear from you, and I'm wondering if this is the right time for you to discuss this or if you need to rage a while more?"
Shakes his head and stomps off
After an hour I'll approach Kava
"I'm thinking more clearly now. You have not harmed me in any way and maybe I'm too quick to judge. But understand this... Us Eladrin live for hundreds of years so when one of my friends is killed for no reason it is a huge loss. Its one thing to die for a just and noble cause quite another for senseless violence." My shoulders droop and with a head bowed and a heavy sigh, "So please understand what I'm going through right now and why I find it hard to trust your kind."
In Fallcrest
I'll allow Anmuspi and Brianna to be tour guides. Learning as much as I can about the town. Also figuring tensions has eased with the dragonborn I'll try to learn more about them and their culture. And of course continue study of the warforged.
When the money is divided I'll take my share. Then go out and buy a couple of books on Bahamut and Dragonborn. Buying meals and drinks for everyone. Resupply my rations Ink, and paper.
Will also brows all the shops but not buying anything.
Demon slowly comes to consciousness. Sitting up, he looks around then climbs out of the back of the wagon.
You're in a warehouse and nearby a halfling screams as you reach the floor. He almost falls down in his rush to the door. A moment later Selgund, the caravan master comes through the door. "Ahh Demon, good to see you up and about. We thought we lost you during the battle. Are you feeling well?"
Kava forces a smile hopeing the racial differences are enough that the Dwarf sergent doesn't see her wince.
"Where would we find the Lord Warden Sergeant?"
The dwarf doesn't appear to realize his social fumble. Instead, he points almost due north, to a steep hill rising from an overgrown thicket along the city's wall. "Lord Markelhay's keep sits atop that hill," he says, "just follow the road past the Halfmoons' place." He limps back into the guard house before adding, "Too bad I'm not a bit younger, might've gone myself. The little buggers stole a dragonhide from one of Teldorthan's wagons. You steal from one dwarf, you steal from the clan."
When the money is divided I'll take my share. Then go out and buy a couple of books on Bahamut and Dragonborn. Buying meals and drinks for everyone. Resupply my rations Ink, and paper.
Will also brows all the shops but not buying anything.
At mention of this, you recall the dated human practice of a sale only being legal when done in Pelor's sight. Though some lands still adhere to the tradition, most don't know why.
[ooc] At Wizards Gate Map#18
Sergeant - "Too bad I'm not a bit younger, might've gone myself. The little buggers stole a dragonhide from one of Teldorthan's wagons. You steal from one dwarf, you steal from the clan."
"So Teldorthan is a Dwarven trader? We'll go see him summarily. See what we can do about your clans property." Kava gives an easy salute to the sergeant.
Walking away with Madresh and the wagons "Kobolds stealing dragonhides. Well finally something that makes sense. They worship the chromatics like gods. Maybe they want to build themselves a dragon?" Kava's nose wrinkles "still, skinning a dragon for a trophy ... that is a little unsettleing don't you think? Hope they don't try to skin me!" Kava's eyes open in mock terror.
Brianna shakes her head to the two dragonkin when they speak with her. "I'm not upset with either of you. I'm upset with that old goat who seems to think I'm a child and was foolish to help the rest of you."
She pauses. "However, I stand by what I said. I do think the both of you are being naive about the kobolds because they superficially resemble you in appearance. I just don't want to see you get hurt by some kobold pretending to be nice and then stabbing you. I understand trickery after all."
She smiles and spends the day hanging out with the others, playing guide as best she can and when time comes to see about the bounty, she's eagerly tagging along.
At mention of this, you recall the dated human practice of a sale only being legal when done in Pelor's sight. Though some lands still adhere to the tradition, most don't know why.
GM
"lets go inquire with Lord Markelhay as soon as possible. We wouldn't want more farms and caravans raided why we sit and enjoy fine food and drink"
"I am... alright." Demon says, looking around at himself. He takes in the warehouse. "Selgund, yes?" he says, not looking at the Halfling. "Where am I?"
"We're in Fallcrest, or more specifically, the Halfmoon Trading House in Fallcrest. You've been out for hours. Do you know what happened to you?" Without waiting for a response he continues, "I've just finished the paperwork and I'm supposed to meet our other travelling companions at the Blue Moon shortly. I know you don't eat or drink, but, if you're up to it, would you like to join us?"
Guards at the keep's gate inform the party that the Lord is not available at the moment. They'll take down your names and suggest you come back in the morning. The Lord usually holds open court after breakfast.
The rain starts to pour by the time you reach the the bottom of the hill. Now may be a good time to consider lodging, before you head to the alehouse. Across the way is the Silver Unicorn Inn, which Brianna can describe as a very nice place, but pricy. As well, she can point out that the Nentir Inn is cheaper, but on the other side of the river (and quite a walk when you're into your cups). Of course Brianna and Anmuspi can go to their respective homes.
A single-bed room at the Silver Unicorn Inn costs 2 gp.
A two-bed room at the Nentir Inn is 5 sp, but you'll also have to cross the bridge which carries a toll of 5 cp (in each direction). The Nentir Inn also has its own taproom.
A single-bed room at the Silver Unicorn Inn costs 2 gp.
A two-bed room at the Nentir Inn is 5 sp, but you'll also have to cross the bridge which carries a toll of 5 cp (in each direction). The Nentir Inn also has its own taproom.
A'loran nods to the rest of the group "well I'll be staying at the Silver Unicorn. Maybe I'll see some of you at the Blue moon later"
With head down he'll trudge off to the Siver Unicorn. After the room is taken care of he'll head over to the Blue moon.
Brianna will open her home - if she has the space - to anyone who wants to stay there, and only asks anyone who does to pick up a few groceries to help with making meals for the guests.
"That is most kind Chef Rosepetal I would be honoured." grinning from ear to ear Kava bows deeply.
Kava helps her fellows ferry their gear through the rain to Brianna's house.
Kava smiles up at heavens torrent as she crosses the square delighting in the rain washing off the left over blood and grime off her armour and skin. Standing on the door step of the inn she looks in.
She help Brianna with anything she needs to purchase for their stay and actively helps in any way possible including starting a fire with her breath ;^)
After helping out she says to all around her "Does anyone want to accompany me to the Blue Moon, to meet Master Selgund. I'm stopping by the House of the Sun. Selgund said that they have a shrine to the Protector there and I was hopeing to meet the local clerics before our big day tommorrow, meeting the Lord Warden."
Brianna shakes her head to the two dragonkin when they speak with her. "I'm not upset with either of you. I'm upset with that old goat who seems to think I'm a child and was foolish to help the rest of you." She pauses. "However, I stand by what I said. I do think the both of you are being naive about the kobolds because they superficially resemble you in appearance. I just don't want to see you get hurt by some kobold pretending to be nice and then stabbing you. I understand trickery after all."
"Friends then?" Kava extends her hand "He is very protective of you Chef. A bit like you are with us." Kava crins cheesily "It must run in the family. I do appreciate you looking out for us. You are a deft hand with a knife and a fine fighter. If we ever get attacked by a Pastry Golem then we are set! I can bake them and you can carve them up!" A little flame escapes Kava's mouth as she chuckles at her own odd humour.
Demon has not wakened on your return to the trading house. Selgund will be sure to pass on your whereabouts if he resumes consciousness.
It's assumed that everyone has a cloak. Brianna has a small apartment in Hightown, that could accomodate one dragonborn on the floor (the place is sized for halfings). And it isn't difficult for her to find the ingredients for a quick stew (anyone that wants to chip in spend a few coppers).
By the time any sleeping arrangements are made it will be dark. A trip to the House of the Sun is possible, but by the time you get to Teldorthan's, the shop will be closed.
A'loran: The name Douven Staul is unfamiliar to me, but I will ask around if you like.
Anmuspi will offer information on what he knows of Fallcrest and will join folks at the Alehouse prior to turning in for the night. Additionally he will inform those in town waiting to hear back about the kobolds of what he has found.
Kava and Madresh move across the square to the building Brianna points out as the House of the Sun. Three circular towers form a triangle and are connected by a two-story stone building in the center. Grand window casings are now boarded over. A freshly stained wooden door stands out in stark contrast to the worn stone building.
The inside is dimly lit by torches held in well polished silver sconces. From this side torch light reflects off of several stained glass windows. Some casings are still boarded up, and one is incomplete, but the rest of the windows depict Pelor and his angelic servants in various scenes of banishing evil and helping civilization. Pews are arranged in concentric circles with aisles going to the door you entered by and to the three towers. In the center of the floor is a raised golden platform in the shaped of a six-pointed sun. Overhead are colors that may once have been a mural, but now it is unrecognizable due to age and the number of patches on the cieling.
A dwarf in work clothes with fiery red hair pulled back in a braid, and his beard carefully tucked into his belt, polishes a bench on the far side of the room. He rises as you enter and announces "Welcome children of Bahamut. I am Grundelmar. How may I be of service?
"Greetings father" Kava kneels in genuflection towards the priest "we come to pay our respects to the Bright One and pray at the shrine of the Protector. But we also wish to ask your advice. The Caravan we were traveling with was assailed by bandits - kobolds. They were bold to attack an armed caravan - uncharacteristically so - and we have been told that they are getting bolder, raiding farmers cattle now, and have stolen a dragonskin from your local armourer. I've got this feeling that it's more than Tiamat's unsual greed that's driving them. Tomorrow we seek with the Lord Warden to ask his advice on putting a stop to this and we were wondering if you had any knowledge or advice you could offer us."
"Advice? You seek advice?" The dwarf wipes sweat from his brow and wipes his hands on his breeches. He walks up the aisle and says "If you were a farmer, I would advise you to set snares and build a fence. If you were a trader, I would advise you to hire more guards. However, seeing that you are not either of those, but instead seem to be capable warriors, I advise you to eat a hearty meal tonight and rest well, that your sword arm may be strong enough to smite the evil bastards and end their wickedness."
He slides into a pew and sighs "Evil is a constant threat to all folk who would walk in the light." He gestures around the building. "The church here was abandoned after the orcs sacked it so many years ago. Pelor doesn't need a grand monument to his glory. No. The people need it to know that Pelor is here for them. The sight of a dark, half-destroyed building only reminds the people of what evil has done."
"Pelor helped the people here survive and I've helped Pelor regain the faith of the people. We all do what we can. If you are capable warriors, you must do what you can. That is my only advice."
He points to one of the doors. "There is the shrine of Bahamut. I know not what drives the kobolds, just that they must be stopped. I will help as I can."
--
Beyond the door is a simple round room. A plain alter sits in the center and before it a thin mat rests on the stone floor. Two candles burn on the alter on either side of a small platinum statuette of a dragon.
"Thank you father. The Protector willing when we return from our dealings with the kobolds we will see what more we can do to help you here. The people need words and deeds to inspire them, and little by little I think that we can bring more peace to understanding to Nentir Vale. The light shine upon you."
Kava enters the spartan shrine to Bahamut. She makes the sign of the sheild in and kneels at at the reed mat in suplication. Kava prays for a strong hand to shield her allies and a strong heart that knows only honour and patience. Looking up at Madresh she smiles "Lets get you that ale."
On the way out of the temple Kava puts 3 silvers into the alms box and steps out into the rainy night. Making her way to Low Town and the Blue Moon
Lowtown is a markedly poorer section of the city. Houses are smaller and closer together. More houses have thatched roofs instead of slate tiles. The neighborhood isn't exactly dirty, but there is more of a disheveled feel to it than Hightown.
The Blue Moon Alehouse is easy to find. It's a comfortable, albeit smoky bar. More than half the tables are occupied by a crowd of mostly dwarves and halflings. The ale is good and cheap and it seems like an all-in-all good time after so long on the road. Eventually Selgund and Demon arrive, and then later so does Sargeant Murgeddin from the gate. Murgeddin will introduce you to the dwarf armorer, Teldorthan Ironhews. When informed of your intent to hunt down the kobolds, he'll tell you about a wagon that was attacked by them recently.
"I had imported a green dragon hide from Winterhaven that I was hoping to work into a suit of scalemale. I've already invested quite a bit, and I'd pay still more to get it back. If you folks are truly intent on bringing down the hammer on those kobolds, then I'd be willing to give you 200 gp."
Brianna smiles when she sees Kava. "How was your trip to your temple?" she asks, then she basically sits and relaxes until Teldorthin makes his offer.
"I certainly hope we get the chance to go after them. It's better to fight then in their homes than in our own. But, are you offering us the money to kill some of them, or for the recovery of your stolen dragonhide?"
Brianna smiles when she sees Kava. "How was your trip to your temple?" she asks
"The House of the Sun? Well ... it's still raining" Kava gives a wry smile still wet from her trip through Fallcrest. "Father Grundelmar seems very overworked but I think he will help us when we need him. He's a little action orientated ... I think you'd like him." Kava winks
Upon seeing a dwarf smoking a cigar, he inquires to Kavos as to what the dwarf is doing
"He's pretending to breathe fire. Everyone wants to be a dragon at heart" Kava spouts 6" of flame into the empty air deftly from her mouth.
to Teldorthan Ironhews after shouting him a round: "Master smith, I am thinking of purchasing a heavy shield and flail in the near future. I would assume that you would be the man to see considering your craft with exotic armours. I have not the gold at present but perhaps, after we return from rescuing your hide, we could talk further. I was also thinking of getting sized for a suit of plate mail and it can be hard to find one that fits a woman of six and a half feet."
Teldorthan speaks with a pipe clenched in his teeth, "As to numbers or a leader, I couldn't tell you. There were no survivors. Now, don't be thinking all I care about is my dragon hide. I sent back purses to Winterhaven to take care of the families of those lads." He glares around the table as if challenging you to say otherwise. He then takes a long draw on his pipe and slowly lets it out as he speaks. "We found the wagon at the edge of the Cloak Wood. They probably came out of Kobold Hall, a ruined keep in the woods. We call it Kobold Hall because being the only structure in there, the kobold tribes fight over it like it's a castle."
"My sons and I are the best smiths outside of Hammerfast, and probably within!" he adds with a boisterous laugh. "Come down whenever you're ready and we'll get you properly protected. But a flail? You need a nice heavy maul. A hammer is an ideal weapon. Everyone knows how to hit a nail, and if you can hit a nail, you can hit a kobold! Ha, ha!"
Anmuspi will scan the room for folks he does not recognize, and nod towards the ones he does.
Given his good fortune as of late, he'll call out to the barkeep:
"Par, a round to the house as they need it if you will. Also, if you would be so kind, please provide the folks in from the Halfmoon caravan with a hot meal to go along with their drink should they be so inclined."
Once folks are served, he raises his tankard and says "To the safety of Fallcrest!".
Once the food arrives, Anumspi will get a refill and then stride over to the table where A'loran is sitting. He then pulls up a chair, stretching his legs as far out as he can in an extended slouch before taking a long sip and asking:
"What is it that brings you into the company of the Halfmoon Caravan again? Are you planning to travel on out to Cloakwood? You seem a bit bookish to be traipsin about the wilds, though I suppose you may have kin there?"
He then takes a few moments cautiously staring at and assessing the dragonborn and Demon (mostly Demon) to see if and what they eat and drink.
Once the food arrives, Anumspi will get a refill and then stride over to the table where A'loran is sitting. He then pulls up a chair, stretching his legs as far out as he can in an extended slouch before taking a long sip and asking:"What is it that brings you into the company of the Halfmoon Caravan again? Are you planning to travel on out to Cloakwood? You seem a bit bookish to be traipsin about the wilds, though I suppose you may have kin there?"
A'loran looks up from his meal "aahh greetings Anmuspi, thanks for the meal and drink" A'loran licks some grease off his fingers "Well I met up with the Halfmoon caravan when it passed through my village. A while before they arrived Douven Stahl had visited my village. He was looking for an old tomb and it peaked my interest. Well I hadn't heard from him in a while so I decided to go and explore. I guess I've been bit by the adventuring bug. A trait that is more associated with you humans. So I traveled with the caravan hoping to find clues of my friend."
A'loran takes a long sip from his mug "yes I am very curious about the cloakwood. It might be that my friend ran into trouble with the kolbolds. They are a problem that need to be dealt with. Anmuspi, my kind of been traipsin through the wilds for a very long time. I'm sure I'll get by." A'loran follows his eyes to the others "do you know the cloakwood well? What dangers will we have to deal with?"
"My sons and I are the best smiths outside of Hammerfast, and probably within!" he adds with a boisterous laugh. "Come down whenever you're ready and we'll get you properly protected. But a flail? You need a nice heavy maul. A hammer is an ideal weapon. Everyone knows how to hit a nail, and if you can hit a nail, you can hit a kobold! Ha, ha!"
"The nails I have ecountered before were not so shifty and prone to poking me with their pointy ends." Kava grins along withthe Dwarf
Kava waves at Madresh bekonning him over. In a low voice "A'loran was telling me his village was raided by dragonborn a few weeks ago. Could it be ..." she lets the thought trail off "I am not sure how to broach the topic with him, or even if I should. I am torn between not being forward with him and finding the right time. Honour vs Protection." Kava picks at some potatoes absently, giving a wave and smile at the hunter in thanks. "This is lovely food but it still is not a patch on Brissa's stew."
The next morning dawns bright and chilly. The six of you meet together outside of the Halfmoon Trading House and climb up the hill to request an audience with Lord Markelhay. This time the guards let you into the keep and lead you to a well-appointed study, where you are introdced to a balding, middle-aged man.
"Welcome to Fallcrest travellers. I am Lord Faren Markelhay. I understand you've had a run-in with our resident pests, the kobolds. Not the best welcoming committee, but at least they're consistent."
"Indeed they are in the Cloak Wood, specifically at Kobold Hall, or so some call it." He pulls out a small map of the area, "It was once the estate of the Berndills, but their own house soldiers were no match for an army of orcs. For the last 90-odd years or so the place has been a refuge for different tribes of kobolds. More than one group of hunters has gone in there after losing some chickens in the recent years, but another tribe always seems to pop up. I don't know what emboldens these particular kobolds, but Kobold Hall is the place to look."
"The problem has gotten so out of hand that I am instituting a bounty of 10 gp per kobold head. If you can bring back proof that this threat to our safety has ended, perhaps some token that the leader has been dispatched, then I would pay you 100 gp"
"Welcome to Fallcrest travellers. I am Lord Faren Markelhay. I understand you've had a run-in with our resident pests, the kobolds. Not the best welcoming committee, but at least they're consistent."
"Sir" Kava salutes "As new arrivals to your vale we wish to thank you for your welcome. I am Kava Argentine and this is Madresh. Our fellow survivers of the kobold attack on the Halfmoon's caravan are your citizens Brianna and Anmupsi; the wizard A'lorian and warforged Demon" she hesitates slightly still feeling odd at calling the warforged by name. "We have heard from your citizenry that the kobolds are consistant in that they are getting increasingly more bold and covetous; stealing livestock, attacking armed caravans, looting dragonskins and the like. We figure that there maybe more to this than meets the eye. Is there any intelligence you can offer us on our foe?"
"Indeed they are in the Cloak Wood, specifically at Kobold Hall, or so some call it." He pulls out a small map of the area, "It was once the estate of the Berndills, but their own house soldiers were no match for an army of orcs. For the last 90-odd years or so the place has been a refuge for different tribes of kobolds. More than one group of hunters has gone in there after losing some chickens in the recent years, but another tribe always seems to pop up. I don't know what emboldens these particular kobolds, but Kobold Hall is the place to look."
"The problem has gotten so out of hand that I am instituting a bounty of 10 gp per kobold head. If you can bring back proof that this threat to our safety has ended, perhaps some token that the leader has been dispatched, then I would pay you 100 gp"
"We will talk as a group as to the collection of the heads" Kava looks imploringly at Brissa "but rest assured we will do our best to restore order, at least in regards to this band of thieves." Kava steps back to let the others contribute
"Oh, I agree with your assessment, but I don't know what the source of their new-found couarge is. The only information we have is that the attacks were on travellers, occuring primarily on the border of the wood, until this past week when they started stealing livestock in the night from all over the outlying farms."
"Well, I, for one, don't see any issues with taking their heads, after all, how else can we prove any claims for how many of them we take down. And once, they are dead, well, they don't need them any more, do they?"
Yep, the little halfling has no issues with that order from the Lord.
She thinks for a moment, then says "We might need something to carry them back in, though, if there are a lot of them."
"Well, I, for one, don't see any issues with taking their heads, after all, how else can we prove any claims for how many of them we take down. And once, they are dead, well, they don't need them any more, do they?"Yep, the little halfling has no issues with that order from the Lord.
She thinks for a moment, then says "We might need something to carry them back in, though, if there are a lot of them."
A'loran nods his head
"I agree with Brianna. We'll need some sacks."
"We should leave as soon as possible. I wouldn't want any other innocent travelers attacked."
"Well, I, for one, don't see any issues with taking their heads, after all, how else can we prove any claims for how many of them we take down. And once, they are dead, well, they don't need them any more, do they?" Yep, the little halfling has no issues with that order from the Lord. She thinks for a moment, then says "We might need something to carry them back in, though, if there are a lot of them."
A'loran nods his head "I agree with Brianna. We'll need some sacks. "
Kava roars with laughter "My point exactly. If little Chef is any indication of our soldierly worth then we'll need a !"
We should leave as soon as possible. I wouldn't want any other innocent travelers attacked."
"True enough." turns to her compatriots "If there is nothing else we will be off. Amnupsi; as our resident hunter do we need anything for our trek? You can find it with this map?"
A'loran nods his head "I agree with Brianna. We'll need some sacks. "Kava roars with laughter "My point exactly. If little Chef is any indication of our soldierly worth then we'll need a !"
Brianna hmms. "Well, you know, a wagon might not be a bad idea to have if one of us gets hurt. It would be quicker to get someone home a wagon than it would be to carry them."
"Thank you and good luck.", are the Lord's last remarks as the meeting adjourns.
You travel 15 miles from Fallcrest into the wilderness to find the once sprawling manor now known as the ruins of Kobold Hall. Inside the keep, you find a trapdoor at the base of an old guard tower. It must lead beneath the ruins.