Against the Odds

Game Master GM Grimm

Nowell turns to Cerilis with a troubled expression and quietly replies. I am uncertain what is plaguing this town; that is what frightens me. Whatever aid we can supply to you in solving this mystery is yours. I would be most grateful to know that my family is safe. Something or someone is pushing us out.

He looks softly at his daughters who are busy serving their guests.
The sad thing is though, that I don't have the faintest idea about where to start. My friend Hewitt (1) might have more information, but people don't gather and discuss much these days.

I think it is best that you involve yourself as little as possible for the safety of your family, just some guidance such as your friend Hewitt is most appreciated.

"I will also add your family to my daily prayers with hope that Arete will look kindly on you all.

"Thank you for your kindness, Master Nowell. It's uncommon on these times to find such hospitality." says the elf as he sips on his mead "And such a good mead!"

When the man mentions the disappearances, the elf turns taciturn "Alas, the shadows still lurk... I would be glad to investigate the mystery, if my companions do agree. But the dwarf is right, please do not get too involved. I wouldn't like to return to this town and find you gone." a shadow of sadness taints his voice.

"I can understand your concerns for the safety of such a lovely family," says Ravenna, holding her mug in both hands. "Five sweet girls! Must be a handful sometimes." She cracks a crooked smile. "Thank you for the warning of strange tidings."

"Indeed, it's probably best you refrain from involving yourself in what is going on. There's no sense endangering your family or livestock needlessly."

After a restful visit and hearty repast, the travelers prepare to depart from the farmer's abode. Nowell bids them good luck and agrees that perhaps one of the inns would provide more information as the townsfolk who are left cautiously keep to themselves these days.

Where would you like to go next?

Looking at the others with concern
I think we should make our way to this Hewitt. He might be able to shed some light on what is going on and where to go next.
He points across the street towards Hewitt's place (1)
It is just across the road and the inn can wait for a little longer.

"Sounds good to me, more information can't hurt, right?"

Agreed.

Ravenna says, "Certainly seemed a little forbidding. After we talk to Hewitt, perhaps we can arrange lodging at the... uh... Golden something... Grain, the Golden Grain. Then we can figure out how we'll tackle exploring the surrounding countryside in conjunction with keeping an eye open for strange things in this village."

This wooden house (1) is surrounded by attractive flower gardens with a small barn beyond. A teenage girl is churning butter on the porch, but she stops when she sees your band approaching and runs into the house. Shadowy forms are visible behind the curtains.

Xedrik decides to stay back at Nowell's barn to groom the horses and look after tack. He prefers the cold loneliness of a musty old barn to the awkward social interactions and explanations about his visage.

This looks like a job for a smooth talker.

Ravenna looks back at her companions a bit nonplussed, then adjusts her hat and strides up the flower lane to the door. She knocks with one gloved hand, then says, "Hello, Mr. Hewitt? Your neighbor Nowell said we might ask you a question or two - don't worry, we're just passing through town and don't want any trouble. I apologize for startling you in your own home, I assure you that my associates and I are just here for a brief nonce and we'll be on our way without causing any problems."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

I'm sorry that I can't help you. Just be careful. He responds.

Looming over his home, the white-washed roof of the Golden Grain Inn seems to glow as it's signature tankard and wheat sign gently rocks in the warm breeze.

Despite your best efforts, Hewitt declines to say anything else.

"Well, thank you Mr. Hewitt, and good day to you and your family. Please accept our regards - if you change your mind, we will probably be staying at the Golden Grain for a little while," says Ravenna.

She sighs and returns to the group. "I think he's really scared," she says. "Something has really gotten people on edge. C'mon, let's go to the Golden Grain and get a few drinks, listen in on the local gossip, and arrange quarters."

"Well, at least we know the folks around here are scared of something. Now, just to find out what the deal really is."

Cerilis walks up beside the human female and with a gentle tone.
Mr. Hewitt, I understand your wish for privacy and we will not bother you anymore. We just are hoping for some advice on where we should stay in town.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20

Augier sighs and walks to the tavern with the others. So maybe all of this fear is connected to what we have to find, eh? Some ancient curse unleashed perhaps.

"Something more troubling than an unfounded curse, for sure. If farming folk leave prime lands in the middle of a boon season, there's got to be something bad going on. Perhaps I can speak with some of the town's animals in a bit. Their understanding may be limited, but they aren't likely to lie or try and hide the truth."

Jax seems distressed by Hemitt's negative to even speak with then. The ranger meditates before speaking to the rest "When the diviner took me to read my future... she told me 'we would need the lone ranger to finish our mission'." he says as he eyes the inn "I know not what she meant, but we may obtain answers to that and the rest of mysteries at the Golden Grain. And some mead, which will help of course!"

Stay put at night. I can't say no more! Hewitt replies to Cerilis.

The large wooden inn is decorated with carvings of sheaves of wheat along the eaves of the roof. The inn was whitewashed at one time, but much of the paint has begun to fade. A sign picturing a cluster of wheat and a pitcher of ale hangs over the door. A corral and stable stand empty of to the side.

"Hm. Looks like it's seen better days," says Ravenna. "Still, Nowell said it should be safe enough, so let's see what this place holds."

Siondel leads Capall over to the stables, setting him up to be comfortable. Looking down ad Medved, he frowns before waving the bear to follow.

"Come on, let's go in and say hello. "

Augier trails behind

Cerilis stares at the door to Hewitt's house. He wonders if it was a smart thing to involve these fine folk in this business that has gripped the town.
Mr. Hewitt, if you or any of your family are ever in need of assistance...we are here to help you at any time. You only need to seek us out. I thank you for the advice. He pauses for a few heartbeats before he steps away and continues on to the inn that his companions are walking towards.

The newcomers arrive at the Golden Grain Inn and carefully enter the large double doors as evening begins to set upon the town.

The heavy wooden doors open into a large common room that seems pleasant and tidy. You can count eight patrons inside with only a pair keeping company. It is silent as no one speaks and no fires are lit in the fireplaces. Several barrels of light and dark beer are tapped behind the bar.

The proprietor, a hefty, middle-aged man with dark coiffed hair and a large mustache leaves the bar to greet the guests.

Hello and welcome to the Golden Grain, I am Bertram Beswill, owner of this fine establishment. What can I get for you?

"Hello, Master Beswill! We have recently arrived from the west road and we are in need of lodgings for our temporary stay here in your lovely village. What sort of accommodations might you be able to arrange for myself and my companions of the road here?" asks Ravenna.

Plus a bath please.

I happen to have several guest rooms, two gold per night, each sleeps two., the proprietor enthusiastically offers. Tonight's supper is roast duck. It and all the mead that you can put away shall be on the house this evening in celebration of your visit. What is it that you came to Orlane for again?

Augier pays 2 gp for a shared room.

Very well, I shall see to it that a bath is drawn for you. , he replies to the filthy dwarf.

Ravenna rummages through her possessions and also comes up with two gold coins. "Ah, we're just passing through on our way to Hookhill," she says. "Any local news worth hearing?" She smiles as she passes the coins over to the innkeeper. "Incidentally, roast duck is one of my favorites, so you've already made my day."

"Mead and roast duck? Sounds fantastic to me."

Siondel hands either Augier or Ravenna a gold coin.

"By the way, it seems as if no one's been in that stable lately. Any particular reason why?"

Ravenna gratefully accepts the coin from Siondel.

"Roast duck? It's been ages since I tasted it!" says the elf as he turns to Aggghhh and hands him a gold coin "Do you mind if we share the room, Master Dwarf? I've met a couple of your kin, and to be honest I have found that they are the least likely to mug me while I sleep! Hahahahahahaha!" he jokes, trying to start some small talk with the group and the innkeeper, while he eyes the place and the patrons.

"Interesting, I've always found human inns to be more... agitated. Forget me if I am being too bold, but is there any reason for the silence?" when he speaks, the elf does it so both the innkeeper and the patrons hear him, and waits for a response.

Zirul rummages through his belt pouch for his gold pieces and looks at Cerilis saying "I guess that leaves you and me. I hope you don't mind, but I always get up with the sun for my daily prayers."

I do not mind the early mornings.
Cerilis pulls out a gold coin and places it on the bar.

Much obliged. Augier will take a bath after his meal.

The innkeeper responds, I am happy that our recent harvest of waterfowl has pleased you so much. We haven't had many visitors lately and I guess that the townsfolk are tired from their farm work. Things here seem to grow quickly.

After finishing the supper and multiple tankards of mead, the party heads to their respective guest rooms for lodging during the night. The dwarf enjoys his bath before preparing to settle in for the evening.

Please state whatever rituals or procedures that your characters engage in before falling asleep in the guest rooms.

Dramatic music

Jax, I just got this strange feeling of possible doom. How about we take shifts? I'll go first and let you sleep then wake you after 4 hours.

Siondel leaves his armor on, hanging his cloak from the peg on the door. He leans his weapons against the bed, leaving one dagger sheathed under his pillow and the other clipped to Medved's harness.

"Medved, keep your ears open and stay by that door, eh? Thanks, buddy."

Augier does keep his dagger nearby

Before going to Zirul removes and polishes his Scale Mail armor. He then places his Bastard Sword within reach next to his bed and slips off into a light sleep.

Walking up the steps and into the room that was given to them, Cerilis ponders the situation. He leaves his backpack by his bed and keeps the rest of his equipment on his person. Feeling a bit hungry since he did not partake in the meal tonight. Too greasy for his taste, He instead pulls out some hard tack. oh yes, the dinner of the poor.
He chuckles to himself as he prepares for the first watch.

Ravenna checks the temporary lodgings and, barring anything disastrous, says to Siondel as they set in for the evening, "We should probably bar the door, and the window, if possible. If people are disappearing in this town..." She trails off and lets the statement speak for itself.

"Sure, that sounds like a good plan. Medved should be plenty to guard the door proper. Can we jam something in the window frame to prevent its opening?"

"I could probably use this light mace that I carry as a bar."