The proprietor listens to Andre but is grim faced at the news. He responds in a much quieter lower toned voice. "So you lot are what he sent ey well I hope you can do us some good mayor has been worried sick and only the militia myself and the mayor have any knowledge of the recent...troubles." He pauses a moment to look at the six of you then asks. "The mayor said that seven rode off from Verbobonc yet only six are here, tell me were be the last of your crew."
In response to Andre's question he says in a more abroad and louder voice. "New ye are in Hommlet eh well then The Church of St. Cuthbert is up near the north road can't miss it as it be the only building up there. The mayor place is down the road to the east has a large fence round it nice big place he don't like being disturbed but you say he be expecting ye so." You can tell that the proprietor changed his attitude most likely so he does not attract the attention of other customers with his "private talk".
"I think a place such as this must be run by an honest man, one who hopefully will have some honest news." Tarmin says as she looks to her own plate of food, and finding it half full and herself completely full; indicates with a nod and a smile to Pettry that in the time it too him to finish one plate, Podo has almost finished three!!
"Podo, would you like some more?" She says holding out her plate to the famished halfling, her lip twitching from suppressing the laughter welling up inside.
"Well if you're not going to eat it", Podo grins reaching for the plate before she finishes speaking.
Grinning back at Podo, then turning with a chuckle to the proprietor " Our other companion, went for a walk to stretch his legs after our journey. I noticed that your town has a resident druid. 'Twould he or she be offended by an unannounced visitor?"
"Jaroo? He does not often get villagers although I do not think he would mind if you stopped by. He lives in the grove to the east of here in a small little cottage. If ye aren't able to see the mayor right away I can send word of your arrival just don't tell anyone your true purpose here don't want to rile up all the villagers. If that is all I must get back to work."
Excellent, I may visit on the morrow and pay my respects. But for now, we must meet with the Mayor and deliver the axe. Which to do first....more importantly, shall we wait for Gnobby to return?"
"We should be able to deliver the axe without his aid. I wouldn't want to meet with the mayor without Gnobby present, though."
Gnobby comes rushing into the inn flushed with excitement.
He gathers his new companions around and speaks to them being careful to notice any eavesdroppers, "Elmo has quite the stash of adventuring equipment. He also appears to have an imaginary friend too. He lives in a simple farmhouse and has put his stash of weapons, armor, and coins in a hiding place in the barn. All that, and I still have a good feeling we should bring him along. You did save me a haunch of good meat and a cold drink?"
Gnobby looks for the welcome wench and tries to get some ale and a hot meal.
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Andre's eyebrows arch in amused surprised at the Welcome Wench's proprietor. "Ah, wonderful! The people of Hommlet have already heard the good word of the Cudgeler! I shall have to speak to my brethren at the church to see if there is anything that one of the Chapeaux can assist them with. You have been most helpful, goodman. I beg your pardon, what is your name?"
At the reappearance of Gnobby, Andre discussed their options with the group. "I see no reason why we cannot return the axe first - it should be a simple enough matter, and then head to see the mayor. Hopefully, he will be able to give us more information on the bandits that plague the region."
"Ostler Gundigoot, and it was a pleasure to meet ye kind sir." He says giving a slight bow. "I hope you have a good time in Hommlet and that the Elder can give you the knowledge you require, now if you would excuse me." He bows again before returning to his station at the bar.
Only moments after Ostler gets back to work the inn door swings open and a tall skinny fellow walks in and slowly makes for the bar you cannot help but overhear Ostler call. "Oy That really you Otis, my god I haven't seen you in well years come on and taker a seat drinks on me." The tall man laughs heartily as he moves over to the bar to take a seat. "Has it really been that long since I left Ostler well I'll be. How been things ere in Hommlet anything...interesting." Ostlers face goes grim as he whispers something to the man that you can't here. "Hmm I feared that would happen."Says Otis. "I can't stay long Ostler and am not here to stay adventure calls and I got little time to spare." Says Otis in a deeper voice. "I know I know, but one drink won't hurt will it." The two friends continue yapping on for a long while while you finish your food and drink.
Gnobby moves over to talk to Otis. He lowers his voice, but talks in a clear tone that conveys his full attention and focus are on Otis, "Seems like much as changed in a little time. Care to explain yourself. One not as thick-skinned as I may have felt you were playing us for fools."
"Otis? Elmo's brother?" Tarmin murmurs to the others at the table. "Perhaps, it is he whom we should be recruiting."
Gnobby realizes there is no magic going on. Otis and Elmo are indeed separate people. He thought Elmo had made Otis up and now he is face to face with Otis. What a shock.
"Otis, I think I owe you an apology. We met your brother Elmo earlier. We were hoping to take him with us to free this town from evil forces. Would you allow us to buy you an ale and talk to you for a while?"
Otis seems not to notice Gnobby at first but he finally turns from his ale and looks down at the small fellow grinning widely. "Surely you jest young one my brother is but a simple farmer he has never been the adventuring sort as myself." He pauses and looks at you curiously a moment until he realizes you speak true. "Perhaps I have been away far to long take a seat young one so that we may speak and drink." Ostler listens intently to the two of you as he cleans a small glass he leans on the table towards you and whisper to both of ye. "Otis these are the ones I was talking about perhaps you could shed some light eh." Otis looks over at the table were the others sit than back at Gnobby."My god I mean bah where are my manners, names Otis Trannyth and as you already know I am brother of Elmo and adventurer extraordinaire. Now as you were saying it would appear my brother has had a change of heart and he was not at home when I had stopped by earlier today, but let's but business aside a moment good gnome I have yet to know your name or that of any of your group for that matter." Ostler chuckles lightly at a though then turns to Otis and says. "Perhaps ye could give em a few pointers hate to see them turn up like the Burne's Badgers." Otis then bursts into a sudden and short laughter of his own. "Right you are friend but I feel something bout these ones that they won't meet the same fate. Gnome if you would could you call over your friends I think my advice would be good for all of your ears."
Gnobby departs and returns with his companions.
"These are the rest of Gnobby's Kneecappers--well we don't have a name yet. I am Gnobby Fullmeasure a reformed footpad. These companions of mine are handpicked by the elite of Verbobonc themselves. We are the elite picked by the elite. We are hoping Elmo would consent to come along, he seems quite strong and hearty. Obviously he comes from a good bloodline."
Gnobby bows to Otis.
"Please give us some advice about the area and some general tips from your experiences."
Gnobby waves to the staff and points to Otis' cup.
Otis scans your meager equipment and coin and only nods at Gnobby statement of them being an "elite group". "Well I suppose your group could use a few pointers. Quite the group Wilfrick through together eh, now as I can see you lot probably don have any experience in the art so one simple lesson, Know your enemy's and your ally's keep one close and shun the other. Another thing as and adventurer you will make many enemy's whether you know it or not you are never safe on this line of life another reason to keep friends close. Evil is afoot in every shadow in which you walk watching your every step they and every move awaiting an opportunity." Otis stops there and then shakes his head. "You will understand my words when the time arrives but you did not come to listen to my riddles no. I know not what Wilfrick has sent you to doyou probably do not know either but surely it is something to your ability." Ostler taps Otis on the shoulder interrupting him and says to him. "The bandits Otis they came to stop there threats." Otis chockles slightly. "Bandits are not the true thrat here Ostler they have not roamed these lands since a time long ago when a certain sinatar threat arose." Otis explain's to his friend. "Ah so your saying that something or someone is behind tehese atcaks something we are not aware of." Otis nods at Oatler responding with a simple "Precisly, if my hunch bis true I think you and your party wil have quite thier share of adventure small one." Ostler stands straight his arm wide. "If the threat is true than the mayor should know of it....." "And rally the village over a hunch I think not Ostler that is why these peopl have riding from Verbobonc to end this banditry and whatever may or may not be behind it." Otis inturpts. "I would give on to you some tips as to were to begin your search but my memory of the surronding area is rather...rusty though I do know of one plausible locations one that had housed evil since the days long past. Here I will mark it on your map." Otis takes the region map that the viscount gave to you and draws a mini diagram of a ruined fort of such to the east near the Gnarly forest he also dots a small path that brances of the main road leading to said fort. Ostler stares in awe. "The old moathouse eh Otis I suppose there is no better place for a bandit group set a fort." Otis looks towards Ostler and chuckles slightly. "I'm surprised you even remember the place old man, Anyhow listen up you lot This place was once the outpost of the Temple of Elemental Evil, its watchtower and an advance base for raids, looting, and destruction. From this area, servants of the Temple were to bring the Village of Hommlet and all the lands around it into subjection. The conquered folk were then to be used as slaves to construct yet another fortress further west, spreading the evil power of the Temple in ever-growing rings to encompass all of the land around its base After the evil at the Temple was destryed by the forces of good most who remained at the Moathouse fled those who did not were slain by a small group of adventurers much like yourselves little remains of it now but if rumors are true evil is afoot in the land and this is likely where the main force of the benevolence is stationed. Not that I kno much I have been gone for a long time and the mayor most likely has more inffo than I, either way I wish you luck on your quest and if you meet my brother again tell him I said hi." Otis stands from his chair finishes what remains of his ale and gives to you all his farewells he is set for the road andadventure you truly envy the noble man.
Andre remained silent as Otis said his word about the Moathouse. "Your words shall not fall upon deaf ears, Master Trannyth. It does not bode well that a group would willingly reside in the husk of a fortress dedicated to Evil. We cannot say whether they be simple bandits or more without going there, but this much is certain: they will either repent their wicked ways, or trouble these lands no more. As an ordained member of the Chapeaux, I so swear this."
Andre finished his light meal, and stood up to stretch. "Well, my friends, let us complete our tasks here in Hommlet, and ride out for this Moathouse at first light. Deliver the axe, meet with the mayor, supply ourselves, make any arrangements before heading out, and then - onwards to our sacred mission!"
Grateful to be moving again, though the rest and meal did sit right, Pettry stood with Andre. "Let's. Sounds like we suddenly have more than enough to occupy our time."
To Otis, "Thank you Otis; best of luck."
To his companions, "Deliver the hatchet and head to the moathouse. Gnobby's kneecappers, I kind of like the sound of that."
I agree, the sooner we complete our errand , the quicker we can meet with the mayor and be on our way. My meeting with the local druid can wait upon our return."
"Tarmin, I think we should speak to all the local resources before departing to the moathouse including the druid. If it is a ruined moathouse then it has been left to the forces of nature to reclaim. Maybe the druid knows if natural forces there still have trouble with the supposedly trounced evil refuge?"
I have always wanted to meet a druid. Maybe he plays cards. I always wanted to have an exotic carnival animal--probably shouldn't bring up being around caged animals trained for human amusement.
"Doesn't really matter to me". "I like the food here well enough, and it seems save". "But for some reason I tend to wear out my welcome quickly", Podo says.
DM
Podo will nonchalantly try to pocket a couple pieces of loose silverware. He does so by instinct without meaning to.
Pick Pockets (45%)
Narghat finishes eating and says to the group So what's the plan then? You get the impression that Narghat has a good head on his shoulders but is used to following and not having his opinions listened to because of his race.
"Let us take some food to go for Podo (and myself) and deliver the hatchet and be back for storytime at the inn and another dinner for Podo. Bright and early we meet the sheriff, the druid, and see the moathouse before lunchtime."
" A sound plan, Gnobby. Remember also that we were to meet Elmo here for dinner. I look forward to see which Elmo appears this time."
"Well I bid ye all luck on yer quest just don't get yerself killed out there." Says Ostler as you make way for the wood mill to deliver the hatchet. A small dirt path leads through the wide open fields to the small town mill alight breeze blows through the empty fields it is cold and quite refreshing from the hot day. Logs are piled on logs outside of this old wood mill you can smell the freshly cut wood all throughout the air as you make towards it. A young man is outside fetching wood to bring into the mill he works hard and does not even notice you walk by.
Gnobby smiles at the young man.
"Excuse me yon miller, we have a hatchet to deliver. A very important hatchet." Gnobby says the last phrase with a wink and grin. He whispers conspiratorially, "This hatchet is in no way stolen property."
Yes, they were quite explicit about that for some reason when they let me go.
"Be not confused by my mysterious friend here." Tarmin says with a smile "Your wife asked us to deliver your ax as we passed by your homestead. "
The man looks at both of you awkwardly then gets a good look at the axe . "That's me pa's axe, did he forget it again "sigh" well I guess there is no harm he's in the shed over yonder door should be unlocked and if he barks at ye just tell im I gave ye permission." The young man smiles at ye before returning to work.
Pettry follows along with the others as they head to the shed. What a strange way to spend an afternoon...
One good deed for the day.
"I can see it now--well this party did manage to deliver an axe to a miller all by themselves without any help from the local hero of great renown Otis. Here is the bardic song entitled 'The hatchet delivered'."
Gnobby chuckles.
"This sure beats a 3 by 5 cell doesn't it. Or did you humans get bigger quarters."
Andre nods at the man. "Thank you, sir. We won't bother you any longer than we must." He heads in the direction the young man indicated, opening the door.
"Good day, millner! Do not be afraid, we come merely to deliver your axe from your fair wife." He offers the axe to the man inside.
A trifling task, and now onto the important work.
Podo stands watching the action, absently patting his pockets to insure his recently acquired good are still intact, and whistling some nameless tune.
The miller looks up from his work at Andre and croaks "Who are you and why do you interrupt my work this evening..." He then listens to Andre. "Ay me axe eh sorry aye barked at you there being out in the field you never know what ill come barging in." He then walks over to you shakes your hand and takes his axe. "Thank you for making the delivery for my wife is much appreciated but I got lots a work to et doing and canny chit chat any longer, perhaps another time you could stop by me house and we can share some drinks, well I'd hate to keep ye any longer looks like ye got your own share a work to be done." You give your farewells and the man returns to work in his shed. There is still at least an hour or two left afore your meeting with Elmo perhaps a tour of the town?
Pettry looks to Andre. "Perhaps now would be a good time to pay a visit to the church of your patron, especially since it's on our way back to the inn? Meeting with the Mayor might cause us to be late."
As the group left the mill, Andre has a puzzled look upon his face. "Well, my friends, let us hope that all our endeavors are as simple as this was. There is still some light left before we meet with Elmo, and I would like to visit the Cudgeler's chapel here. Any that would wish to come along may do so, of course, but I think it would be wise to scour the town for whatever information we can gather about these bandits - numbers, armaments, obvious leaders, and the like. I know you were interested in speaking with the druid, Tarmin - perhaps he knows something of import we would be wise to learn. I don't know who else is in Hommlet, but the Wise Fool teaches us to check the water's depths before diving in." Andre welcomes anyone that wishes to pay their respects to St. Cuthbert with him, and after discussion, heads off towards the church.
"I am off to meet the druid. I will meet you all at the Inn of the Welcome Wench."
I wonder if I can sneaks up on a druid?
Wait up Gnobby, I too would speak with the druid. The border wardens of Celene hold them in high regard, I would guess that he may have some opinion on what is happening.
The party splits up and goes their separate ways to further explore the town, you agree to meet back at the Welcome Wench in time for your meeting with Elmo.
sermon given on Godsday eve. The place isfloored in well-polished wood, with wooden ceiling and pillars extending all the way to the roof high overhead. The walls are painted in pastoral scenes, and tinted glass mosaic windows of many shades of color allow light into the hall. There are no benches, pews or stools.
If any are headed a different way let me know.
Andre allows himself a brief smile as he admires the beauty that his fellow worshipers have created. "A beautiful new church to the Cudgeler! Truly, my feet were meant to be on this path, and this is the first sign of it." Andre clutches the simple wooden symbol of his deity in one hand, and begins to look for both an altar to pray for success at and a priest of the faith with which to discuss the matters of the town.
move quiet/hide in shadows Noisy but well hidden Gnobby moves to the dwelling.
Pettry follows Andre to the church, and stands respectfully off to the side, unsure of anything else to do. He watches anyone within with mild interest,though he feels no particular affinity for the church or its denizens.
Tarmin smiles and shakes her head at her companions' antics and steps forward to the shrine and takes a knee before it. Gathering a leaf from the altar and pressing it to her forehead says "I do honour to all those living things that sustain us, may the branches of our lives continue to grow and nurture.
After a moment of contempation, she rises and steps to the start of the path to the house. Standing with hands open at her side in a gesture of peace, she awaits the arrival of the grove's master.
Technically the grove is outside, so anything found, should be like public property I think.
Podo would really rather stay in the inn. I don't like those religious types...always sticking their nose in and trying to make everything better. Well things are just fine as they are...well except for the fact that the entire Thieves guild wants me dead...and. Well I just don't like them.
Still at least their might be something to eat in the Temple. The druid would probably try to give him a roach roll or something disgustingly nature like. I'll follow the group to the temple...just kind of stay out of the way.
Grove: Gnobby sneaks around the grove looking for the druid he si nowhere to be seen so he assumes he is inside, before he can even reach out to open the door it swings open and an elderly man steps out looking disdainfully down at him with a very serious look on his face, he then begins to chuckle and bursts into laughter. "Next time try the back door." He smiles at the rogue and then turns his attention to Tarmin he slowly walks down the wooden steps and over to the young ranger. He bows and says. "You are no doubt one of the old faith fine lady, I do not think we have met before I am Jaroo Ashstaff druid and protector of this here grove, and you are?" He says to Tarmin, he si clearly a very joyous old man of some standing.
Temple: You all follow Andre forward into the main hall of the Chapel were many of the cleric currently reside, The floor here is of lighter wood, and the walls are deep blue, sprinkled with starbursts in silver leaf, this is truly a great place of worship, a small set of open archways leads into a large circular chamber Inside is a lifesized statue of St. Cuthbert, smiling, the great cudgel held high in one hand while the left hand beckons the doubter and the faithful alike. Growing ferns and other plants are behind this statue, while to either side are tree stumps from which the clerics officiate. An altar is carved from a single piece of bronzewood with billets, star bursts, and the sacred sign of the Crumpled Hat. The walls are wainscotted with carved panels, and the painted walls show various marvels performed by St. Cuthbert. One of the cleric notices you approach and walks calmly over to Andre, noticing his symbol of faith he bows. "It is good to see another faithful in the village, I humbly greet you to the grand church of St. Cuthbert it is an honor to have you here. If you have any questions please ask many travel to Hommlett just to witness this marvelous church, may I ask why you have traveled to Hommlett this day." This place gives a warm and comfortable felling which soothes your heart and the soft warmth gives you a strange feeling of hope and bravery this is a place of awe.