The survivor introduces himself as Harrison Kine. He tells you he is a devotee of Saint Cuthbert, and was escorting a group of the faithful south to Keoland on a pilgrimage to a site considered holy to many Cuthbertines.
He and his fellows were in the service of St. Cuthbert, but in the employ of Lord Waylor Verdent, also a devotee and patron of the Church. It was the lord's daughter Isme, his niece Tari, and their handmaiden Aryana which were my solemn charges. I failed them, failed everyone.
He relates how the caravan was set upon by a mixed band of monsters, bugbears and gnolls, both lead by a tall blonde man in black dyed armor who wore a tabard of a flaming eye. The man took the girls hostage, along with a few others who survived the attack, including a village woman named Paida, who was related to Aryana, and he believes married to a man in town. She didn't give any of the men the eye, no matter how hard they tried to bed her.
Harrison indicates the gnolls used bows and axes, the bugbears crossbows, flails and spears. I gutted two of the dog bastards, but the third came at me from my bad eye, took his axe in my side like you saw. He tells you the master, that's what they called him, made the beasts load up the dead and dying into the wagons before leaving, saying Waste not, want not.
Harrison didn't see which way they went, having passed out from the pain and blood loss. He knows they took all four wagons, and had at least three horses with them as well.
In conversation with Kalizar, the wanderer indicates his polite refusal to join your group. I am having been to trying my hand at the rougher life, it was not being for me no. I am lover not fighter, healer not killer. While am being to knowing the magicks of my Babbanii, she would be to rising from the grave to boxing my ears if I ever tried to do that life again. Shaking his head sadly, No my friend, my life is the road, is the cauldron, is the quill and the ink. I am to be making the world a better place in the little ways. It is the heroes who be making it better in the bigger ways. Thumping Braggi lightly on the shoulder, Heroes like you, yes. Big time hero, you just wait. Kalizar he knows these things, the stones they tell him so.
At the Inn the survivor relates to the patrons there the same tale he gave to Braggi, with little difference save perhaps in some of the minor points, how he fought, the cowardice of the gnolls, minor little tweaks one expects as the adrenaline wears off and the audience grows larger.
The finer points remain the same, the caravan was attacked by a man who called himself , led a mixed force of bugbears and gnolls, and wears a Flaming Eye emblem on his black tabard.
Gundigoot sends one of his potboys to inform the village leaders, another to the church. Ian, go fetch Canon Terjon up the church. Tell him that the bandits they took Paida. Tell him to let Valden know before anyone else does. The man should best tend to his own flock, he'll be needing support for his boy. As the lad rushes off, And don't be telling that Calmert. He'll only ask the grieving man for a donation, to help ease the girl's passage into the next life he will.
Gundigoot then welcomes any travelers to the Inn, the Inn of the Welcome Wench. The sign outside showed a well bosomed blouse holding a large platter of mugs and foodstuffs, slightly faded from the winter season. Noticing the innkeeper's wife hustling about back and forth from the kitchen it is clear she modeled for the sign and inspired more than a few patrons in her youth.
The room is partly crowded with villagers and a few travelers, though hearing about the raid seems to have taken some of the cheer out of the room. Many of the villagers begin saying their goodbyes and heading home for the night, likely to begin the gossip about yet another raid and it's likely aftermath.
Remaining are a strange pair in the corner, a thin and bookish man next to a burly warrior. Another man sits near the center of the room, dressed in his padding tunic, eyeing the newcomers as he finishes a meal of meat and potatoes. A wiry, jumpy man sits in the far corner, lazily dealing out hands of cards, checking his own, then collecting, shuffling, repeating the process.
A beautiful dark haired woman calls out from the bar, Will you be having anything, menus up there, nodding to a sign over the bar, another over the innkeeper's desk near the door.
What Mari means is welcome to my humble inn good travelers. I am Ostler Gundigoot, owner and proprietor here. Will you be staying the evening, we still have rooms available, the kitchen remains open, and my cellar is stocked should you be needing libations. If you wish Alison here can show you to a table and take any orders you might have.
A younger blonde girl, still growing into her looks, steps up, towel in hand, ready to assist you if needed.
Hommlet is always home to those who find themselves at the ends of her roadways Gundigoot says, smiling broadly.
Musami shakes out 50 gold pieces into his hand. How much healing will this buy me?
Finishing up his business with Kalizar Musami bids him a good evening and heads to the Welcome Wench. Once there he orders a Tradesman's dinner and eats it as close by the fire as he can. The night is chill and he does not want to spend it soaked.
He keeps an eye out for people who look like smiths. Those with the callouses of one who swings a hammer and the complexion of one who works in the heat of a forge.
Kalizar looks at Musami's money and closes the dwarf's hand back around it. It is a good thing you are to be doing yes, helping the peoples. So I make you a good deal, no, fair deal yes, nodding to himself. He wags a finger at Musami, talking again with his hands. I will be giving to you one potion for the gold, no, and another potion on the loan yes. For a good strong dwarf like you I also have jar of troll glue. Discount price at another fifty. Gives you good thick skin like troll, wounds close back up on themselves, grows hair on your chest, thumping Musami on his chest, and what dwarven lady can resist dwarf man with hairy bear chest yes.
The man begins walking back to his wagon. Think on this, you pay me some now, you pay me more later yes no. If you no need, then you be to giving back, no pay no problem. See me at my wagon in the mornings no. I am to being good friend yes. He raises his arms high, calling out into the night sky, the rains starting to subside. Kalizar good friend to all the peoples yes, very good friend indeed. You see, yes you see good friend.
Jocasta helps to tie down the caravan ropes, a miserable job in the rain at the end of the day, then pulls her coat and hat tight about her before she heads to the Inn. She hauls along a stuffed pack that she struggles to carry.
"I don't think I'd say this is the end of my journey," she says cheerfully enough to the Ostler, "but a place where I'll be staying the night? Certainly." She looks up to the menu, thinks for a moment, then says, "It's been a long day. Stuffed trout, peppered bread, and spiced ale, please." She counts out the 6 silver and 5 copper, then waves to one of the large tables for her compatriots. "Why don't we figure out how we're going to tackle tomorrow's problems while we eat," she says to the team.
Gundigoot sends Alison to fetch the food for Musami and Jocasta while Meridosen the bartender pours the lady's ale.
We have one single room left at two orbs , three deluxe singles for three orbs each. One double rooms goes for three as well, while the magister suite is available for five orbs, but comes with a private dining area and warm bath, should you desire it. Each room comes with either a traveler breakfast or bowl of oatmeal with our very own buttered honeycomb. Rooms have locks, one orb deposit for the key, returned when the key is.
Looking at the number of you, and the bedraggled state you all arrived in, he adds We also have space in the common dorm upstairs for one orb, which includes one mug of our town's pale stout, on the house.
Once he has helped finish staking out the wagons and caring for the mounts, Cedryk is drawn towards a small copse of trees across from the Inn. He enters on the path and then waits, listening to the trees announce his arrival to the inhabitants of this grove.
Fil, realizing that he cannot afford the inn, does wish for a warm meal, "Beef stew and the loaf, with Ostler's Almond Berry to drink, please" He counts out 4 silver nobles from his pouch.
After Gundigoot leaves to fetch food and after gettign his drink, Fil says
"I'll be returning to the wagons, sadly. My funds are a bit... low for this fancy of a place right now." He does look up a bit though, "However, if we're to find bandits, we will need to be quiet about it. Stealth to surprise them, lest they either slaughter their hostages if they remain alive. He stops at a morbid thought. "And, if not, we can provide immediate justice and, soon after, proper burials, Corellon willing, for them."
As Cedryk approaches the grove, a low growl rises from behind the menhir. A large gray wolf shuffles out, fur bristling, eyes glassy and dark. The canine beast rises up on it's rear legs, lunging forward, calling a long, soft howl, warning the man from proceeding further. Cedryk sees a long silver chain staked before the shack, tethered to an iron collar around the wolf's neck.
The food arrives to the table, warm and aromatic. Alison further provides a small jug of house wine and goblets for everyone seated around the table. Compliments of my lady. Just call if you need anything more. She then leaves to attend to the fidgety man in the corner with the deck of cards. She makes a stop at the other two tables as well, though none of the others seem to need anything more.
The lass returns to the kitchen, while the lone warrior leaves his table and takes a seat at the bar. He mumbles something to the bartender, apparently buying a drink for both her and himself.
The pair in the corner seem to be having an animated discussion together, using some form of finger-speak.
A couple minutes later Gundigoot comes out of the kitchen and approaches your table. Miesters, Mistress, it appears I will have a few vacancies tonight in the commons room. The space is already warmed, and this storm has been a long one tonight. If any would like I would gladly waive the pallet fee, you can sleep under roof for a change. He leans in closer, nodding towards the odd couple. I would warn though, the larger one snores quite loudly I've been told. But a beds a beds a bed, as they say. Please consider our hospitality.
The innkeeper then retreats to the kitchen, leaving a small silver bell on his desk, in case someone needs anything.
He declines the wine as his drink is quite more than he should be having this eve, and his stew. "That is quite kind of you, Master Gundigoot. I would gladly repay by washing dishes if you wish, as you must have something for me to do to repay you for such kindness."
Rolls:
Fil always tries to be aware of his surroundings. If he notices the pair with the finger speak, he'll try to decipher the code.
The bartender Meri calls out as Filnefillan makes his offer to Gundigoot, 'Aye him cut kindling wood in tha morning. Ian un Yundi ne'er make enough un you'll send 'em back fer more, chuckling.
Gundigoot leans in over the table, shielding his words from his barmaid, slightly red faced from the shouting. My sincerest thanks good elf, but we have an overpayment this evening, the pallets paid in advance. I see no reason not to offer the space to any of yours who might need them. If you wish to pay back the offer, perform some kindness for someone else and the roots will share the waters, so to speak.
You were not able to make out the finger speech of the other pair, but it seems to be crude, likely some shared language and not a formal speech. They have paid your group little attention, intent on their own discussions.
Fil smiles at this act of unexpected kindness.
"Your kindness is a great ocean, Master Gundigoot. I hope to match such kindness in your eyes."
He leans in a bit further, shielding his words as best he can, "Might I inquire who that lad with the fidgety tic might be?"
Gundigoot glances at the man in the corner. Him, well, he's harmless, a bit strange but harmless. Spugnoir by name. He arrived here maybe a week to tenday ago. He's been trying to convince Lord Devarn to take him on as an apprentice. He's a wizard of some sort, nice enough. He had a bad run with another guest working over at Terrigan's, lost a bit of coin on the wheel. The innkeeper straightens up, smoothing his apron. Of course I'm not one to gossip about my guests. Everyone is entitled to their own stories, let the winds blow where they will, winking at your group as he returns to the kitchen.
"Thank you" Is all Fil is able to get out before Gundigoot gets back to the kitchen.
Returning to the group's conversation "Shall we continue the plan on meeting the bandits? If the weather is decent, do we plan on leaving at first light?"
Looking at the creature with a detached air of distraction, Cedryk wonders why it is chained up. Druids abhor this kind of confinement for animals, but perhaps the beast is more than it seems.
He continues to wait respectfully on the path before the menhir. He listens to the trees as they slowly speak among themselves.
Jocasta purchases a night at the single room; she keeps her eyes on the various patrons, smiles to the host and hostess, and is clearly rather relieved to have warm food at the end of a long day of travel.
As your group enjoys your evening dining, the pair of boys sent off by Gundigoot return, first the one you heard called Ian. He walks into the inn, shouting like youths tend to do, regardless of decorum, hoping about. Yes, I win. Canon Terjon is with Valden. Took a bit to get to him. Prefect Calmert says you talk too much master. He hops up on a seat by the bar, ignoring the sneer from the drinking man and Meri. He smiles at your group, legs swinging, watching the doorway.
A short time later the second boy returns. He appears more winded. Master Gundigoot, they're calling a meeting at the tower. Lord Burne and Jaroo asked you to attend. He glances around and sees Ian smirking at him from the corner of the bar. Doesn't count, you had one place to go, I had three. He sticks his tongue out as he passes, going on into the kitchen.
The pair in the corner have paid your group little attention, intent on their own discussions. They appear to be wrapping up their meal, finishing their drinks.
Of note however, you see there is a bit more of a connection between Meri and the man at the bar. They seem closer than just server and patron, a few glances, close whispers, the occasional glancing physical contact which lingers a moment or two longer than is common.
His meal finished Musami orders a Longbeard Dark Beer and gets comfortable in his seat.
Fil here has wood to chop in the the morning. After that I think we head out and try to find any sign of the lost wagons. We can make a better plan if we know what we have to work with. I can swing a hammer well enough, but have no other special skills. What of the rest of you?
Jocasta says to Musami, "That sounds reasonable." She takes a sip of her spiced ale. "Mmm. That's good." The wooden mug makes nary a sound as she carefully replaces it on the table.
"I've been following rumors of the increasing bandit problems in this area, so this is part and parcel of my investigation," she continues. "Aside from knowing how to cook and sew, I'm a fair hand with a knife and I dabble in artifice and alchemy."
After booking a night in the common room, Toruk will take a seat at the bar. "Ale, dark please."
He then asks Gundigoot several questions. " Greetings sir, I am Toruk, disciple of Fharlanghn. I am seeking a man named Gremag. I have reason to believe he may be in Hommlet. Have you heard of him?"
Gundigoot indicates he has heard of Gremag. Yes sir I have. He and his partner run the Trading Post here in town. Odd pair, they keep to themselves for the most part. They offer better discounts to residents than they do travelers such as yourselves, so they're tolerated well enough. I think their man-servants serve in the militia.
As Gundigoot starts to head back to the kitchen he pauses, You can find their store over the bridge, just to the right. You passed it on your way into town.
The man at the bar seems to overhear your different conversations. He turns away from the bartender to look to Toruk. Leaning in he says I twas by the tradin post yesserday. Tha man Gremag twernt thar, heard hes partner Rannos say he'd gone home ta Verbobonc, sick old momma or some such rot.
He then looks to the table and comments to Musami. You lookin ta take on bandits huh? I can helps ya out. Don't waste yer time following waterdumped wagon ruts. I kin a valley bout a day's ride past Nulb. A group o' different beasties've been gathering thar o'er the winter. I spied a band of hoch jebline coming back from a raid last week. If'n ya wants, I kin gives ya a lil map ta the place.
He looks you over, awaiting a response, then seems to catch himself. Pardon, my pologies, my name's ol Zert Delang, freesword n bounties man outta Narwell.
A few moments later Gundigoot comes out of the kitchen having traded his apron for a long coat. He nods to you all, I am sorry my good guests, but I am called to a meeting at the tower. My wife Molly remains, she will see to any needs you might have. And Meridosen will keep the bar open as long as needed. I hope to see you all again on the morrow. G'nite sirs, ma'am.
Toruk thanks Gundigoot and then slides several silver pieces for the ale and for a tip.
He then turns to Zert. "Hobgoblins and their kin are a blight on the land. Yes, please tell us how we can find this lair that you speak of. Pray tell us sir, how were you able to spy their lair without drawing their attention? What brings these beasts to this valley would you say?"
Before Zert comes over.
Looking to the others, "I do apologize, I should explain my reasons for being here as well. I've been charged by my people to seek out old elven items of interest in the area, to see if anything is left. Outside of that, I am fairly well versed in flora and fauna that I've studied, as well as arcane lore, and I'm not too terrible of a shot with my bow. I can even do a bit of repair work and can make my own arrows if need be. I tend to do more sagely type work and work with repairing the bows on the side. Everyone needs someone to help fix bows." He smiles at that last part, allowing Elven reputations with bows speak before him.
Zert turns back in his seat to look at Toruk. I'll draw ya up a map in my room, leave it at the desk fer ya. I was comin this way thru the Welk, spied hoch jebline lootin sum burnt wagons. I follered em a bit, say em headin inta a low valley. They 'ad a bunch o others camped down thar, all kinds. They was busy hoopin an hollerin from the loot, so I peekt a bit an tailed it out. He turns back to Meri, tapping his mug for another round. Whose names should I puts on tha map yeah?
After the conversation with Kalizar, Braggi enters the inn to find some of his travel companions already there. "Greetings, everyone." He has a short look at the menu and, after discarding the salmon, for they don't have real salmon in these whereabouts, he asks for a beef stew and some mead, fearing they won't also know how to make real mead.
After leaving some coin (6 Nobles) in the bar, he asks about lodging and picks to sleep in the commons. "I'll leave some of those fancy rooms for more gentle and fragile arses."
He nods when Jocasta speaks about leaving early in the morning, and doesn't really know what to say when the question about capabilities is tossed. "I am... Uh... well, you could say I am a bit of an outdoorsman. And I can use this" he adds, pointing at his big weapon resting on the stool. "We shouldn't take too much time chitchatting here, better go to sleep after resting the supper. We'll need an early start, a clear head and a strong arm tomorrow."
Jocasta sighs slightly at Braggi's comment about 'gentle and fragile arses,' probably because things happen to lone women's arses if they sleep in common rooms.
"Let's hope we find some survivors," she says. "As much as I hate it, our best chances are in daylight." She sadly takes a bite of the stuffed trout, which is fortunately good enough to improve her mood somewhat. "I can probably find tracks, but I don't know about following them. Braggi, you're an outdoorsman? How are you at tracking?"
Fil smiles at Braggi's comment, finding the strange human's behavior amusing.
DM:
Feeling that the druid will not be making an appearance, Cedryk heads out of the grove and back across the road to the local inn.
Before entering he dries himself as well as possible and puts his shirt back on. He walks in and stands in the doorway for a few moments as his eyes adjust to the dim interior. He also takes this time to look over the people assembled in the room.
Cedryk arrives at the inn as the rest of his party finishes with their meals. Meri the bartender calls out to the kitchen, bringing the innkeeper's wife out to take any requests he might have.
We can fix you some stew or simple fare if you wish good sir, and we have a few rooms left for the evening. She looks to those of you at the table, turning a small ledger out on the stand. For anyone choosing to stay, would you kindly sign our book, that we can assign you a pallet or room. Again every room save the dorm can be locked, we have the keys stored, available for a small deposit.
The warrior Zert seems to have had his fill for the evening, taking the goodwife's arrival as his cue to leave. Guess I'll be leavin tha map on tha stand, if'n any o youse wants it in tha mornin'. G'nite. He leaves a coin on the bar, nods to the bartender, and heads over to the stairs.
It appears that the other pair in the corner have likewise slipped away upstairs, probably when Zert was discussing the hobgoblin valley. The only guest remaining in the taproom is the man the innkeeper called Spugnoir, seemingly frustrated over the cards he has been handling all evening.
Absently Cedryk nods to the goodwife.
"Fish, if you have it, and a wheel of cheese and a loaf please....oh and mead to drink."
He sits down at the table beside the one the others have taken, not wishing to intrude on their conversations.
Alison brings out Cedryk's meal and inquires if he wishes a room as well, or if he might be staying in the common dorm.
Molly Gundigoot then mentions that as the hour is getting late and the rain seems to have kept most visitors away, I'll be closing the kitchen shortly, so any last requests please make them soon.
Meridosen cleans up at the bar and clears her throat to get Molly's attention. She nods to a secluded booth near the back of the room, partially curtained off from the rest of the area.
Oh yes, he's been quiet for a bit now. Molly crosses the room and pulls back the curtain. Here now Elmo, rise and shine. The drinks all dry, the rains stopped, best you be heading home. Your pa is meeting with the lords and elders, might have work for you tomorrow. Up you go now. Up, up.
There is a grumbling and bumping as a large man sits up from the bench, yawns, stretches, belches, and scratches himself rather rudely. Oh okay Molly. Me go home now, get to bed now. You come too mebbe? The large and slow man rises up, dressed in dirty peasant gear, unremarkable save for the polished and bejeweled knife and scabbard belted to his waist. He puts his arm around the goodwife as she leads him stumbling to the door.
Not tonight Elmo, I'm still married to Ostler. Maybe next time. The man smiles, straightening up to his full height, patting the much smaller woman on the head. Okay, mebbe next time yeah. Bye bye Molly. He waves to Alison and Meridosen. Bye bye Alison, bye bye Mean Meri.
The man stumbles to the door, then pauses, looking back around the room, feeling over himself as if he might have forgotten something. Bye bye Spoonie-where, bye bye you peoples too. Elmo don't know you. Elmo like you still. You be good to Molly. Elmo says so. My pa will make you. Yep. Be good.
Molly turns him again to the door. Bye now Elmo, leave the nice people alone. Go on. He stumbles out the door into the night, Bye Molly. Bye nice people. Be good nice peoples. Molly closes the door, smiling at you, then moves to clean off the tables as Alison sweeps out from under the empty tables.
Braggi watches how this Elmo says goodnight to everyone. After he's gone, he goes back to Jocasta's request. "I'm not the best, but not the worst. We'll see tomorrow, though I guess we will all work fine together." He drinks his last sip of mead and asks the barmaid for his place at the commons. "See you all tomorrow early, folks! I'm off to sleep before you start snoring! Hahaha!"
Musami follows suit with Braggi draining off the last of his drink and heading to the commons to bed down. He stows his pack carefully by his pallet, removes his armour and settles for sleep.
The commons dorm has a series of six bunk pallets arranged around the room. Each has a small shelf at the head for gear, a ladder at the end to reach the top bunk, and a course pallet of rope topped with a hay-filled mattress. Each has two blankets and a small pillow, likely feather stuffed. A small fireplace is set at the far end of the room for warmth. One pair of bunks is already occupied with the odd pair from the dining area downstairs. The smaller man is in the bottom bunk, his larger friend sprawled out on the top, an arm and leg dangling over the side.
Molly slips Jocasta a key for her room, Shh which she later learns is a small, simple affair near the end of the hall. The room has a single sized bed, the pallet feather stuffed not hey, covered in clean linens and two blankets. Two pillows adorn the head of the bed, next to a small night stand which holds a large bowl and pitcher of warm water. A small chest sits at the foot of the bed, bolted down, which has a simple lock built in and accessible with the same room key.
The cozy chambers does not have a fireplace of its own but backs against a fireplace wall so remains relatively warm and dry. A small window in the wall opposite the bed faces out over the grounds, a small copse of apple trees and a pile of cut logs not yet split into kindling.
After polishing off her meal, Jocasta heads back to find her small single room. She hauls her heavy pack into the room, locks the door behind her, then places the pack in front of the door and uses one of her daggers to wedge the window shutters closed and secured. Only after that's all done does she arrange her things and, after doffing her armor, finally slide onto the welcome bed for some sleep.
In the commons room Toruk will throw a log on the fire and will then sit and meditate in front of the dancing flames. After an hour of prayers to Fharlanghn, he will select an open bunk and will settle in for the night.
Filnefallin and Cedryk remain in the dining hall as Molly closes up the shutters and dims the lights save those by the stairs and the tables by the bar. She turns to Meri, Lass, close up when these nice gentleman are done. Ostler may be a bit, their meetings can run long when the lord has lots to say about how little they know. Looking to your group she curtsies slightly, then Gentlemen, good night. The Inn thanks you for your patronage, have a restful evening.
Turning she gathers up a lockbox from behind the desk and waving at Alison to finisher her chores later, shoos her ahead of her. The pair enter the kitchen and you hear a heavy door shut within.
Well lads, anything else more exciting for the evening, or are we too tired for more, Meridosen asks of the pair. If not might I have your leave to retire, it has been a long day and I am dying to slip out of this, tugging lightly at her blouse and apron.
Looking up from his silent reveries, the druid looks around and notices the place is empty.
"I am sorry. I did not realize it was so late. Might I stay in the stables? I will pay the room cost, but I would prefer to be outside. Is that ok?"
"That is fine, I shall stay at the grove. Perhaps Jaroo will return."
Cedryk heads back across the road and settles at the entry to the druid's grove.
Once Cedryk leaves, and seeing that Filnefillan is unlikely to object, Meri closes and locks the outer door, motioning for the elf to make his own way upstairs. The elf proceeds while the woman doses a few more lights. She then makes her own way upstairs.
Well, well, this is unexpected, and not appreciated. The figures voice is drawn out and silibant, soft and angry. My plans don't include bumpkin busy-bodies lurking around in the dark. The hooded figure approaches a bit further, glancing on into the grove, seeing the wolf react to his voice, growing angry and tugging at it's collar, trying to break free. So little manling, what's your story?
Speaking in the hidden language of the druids, Cedryk answers the figure.
"I am Cedryk, Ovate to Bodhmall of the Bramblewood Forest. I was sent here to deliver a message to Jaroo, Initiate of the Old Faith. Are you he?"