As others begin to move into town Garyld responds to Dorin's statement about the tavern "Yeah their does seem to be something afoot at The Baron of Mutton. Probably another customer complaining about the hard bunks or a knuckle-fight. Why they summoned the miller, that does concern me but we do have more pressing matters at hand." he walks over and looks over the captive while Grommund recounts the story of what happened on the road.
"I will be glad to take charge of him. I can turn him over to the local magistrate and see that justice is done. They didn't manage to kill any of you so that probably will spare his life, but I suspect a few years working in the mines might make him have a change of heart." he says as he eases the man out of the cart.
"Where are the bodies? Of these others you speak of? This one I don't recognize from around these parts. Was wondering about the others. You didn't leave them out there in the road did you? They will certainly attract wild animals which may endanger someone else."
"We...uhh...aye. That we did," Grommund says. "With our wounded, we had nae capacity to carry more dead weight. I apologize for the inconvenience. Fronar here marked them with a branch, should be easy tae find if you want to get rid of them."
They be neatly stacked together, aside the road, and covered with brush.
Dorin seems attracted to the Tavern and the goings on inside.
Garyld, they be havin' rooms t'let in the Tavern over yonder?
"Well I will definitely have to try and round up a group of men to go and retrieve the others as soon as possible. Dead bodies tend to throw the balance of nature out of whack when left ... unattended."
"About how far down the road are they?"
He continues to make sure the mans bonds are secure as he points to the big stone mansion house up on the hill that is surrounded by a stone wall.
"I am going to take him up to the Mansion House and turn him over to Mr. Carman's men to answer questions for his crimes. I will meet all of you back at the Baron and Mutton as soon as I am done." he says as he points over to the inn.
"The Baron and Mutton has plenty of accommodations available, both if you want to 'rough it' or if you want to 'live well'. Personally I would take the later."
As he turns to walk toward the mansion with the bandit leader in tow he pauses again and turns back "Oh and don't let old Dirkaster give you any trouble either."
"I would happily spend a few coins for a hot bath to soak in," Namara says, gingerly picking at the dried blood matting her hair.
She stared after her attacker for a moment, fury clear on her face. She sighed and cleared her mind.
"Let us know if you need us to testify to his crimes," she says, before turning away from the prisoner and heading toward the inn.
What will we be doin' with the chest? We need t'be leavin' a guard, or be takin' it in with us.
Siann looks to the others, "How far down the road? I dunno, I was sleeping off the sweet kiss he gave me." she say, indicating the large bruise marring one side of her face.
"The others got thier deserved fate, except for the one that got away. This one deserves to hang." she says flatly, glaring at the bandit leader.
Turning to Dorin, "We should get the largest common room they have. Chest goes in the center of the room. Two of us awake and with it at all times."
"If on of ye brings me food, I'll stay and watch the box."
"Let's take the chest with us into one of our rooms. Unless someone fancies sitting on it through the night?" While the gnome was likable enough, Athelwyn did not quite trust the quality of his vigil when coupled with his generally excitable nature. "If someone would like to see to acquiring our accommodations for the evening?" She lets the question hang in the air as she makes her way towards The Baron and Mutton.
Current Map: Link To Map of Milborne
As the group pulls the wagon over to the Baron of Mutton and enters the establishment you find the place in disarray. The cause, you soon learn from the apologetic Barthelew, is that a guest is missing. A young girl named Jelenneth retired to her room early the previous night and hasn't been seen since. Her father, a man named Haldelar (the miller) has been summoned to try and calm down Barthelew's identical twin brother Andren who seems to have been in a relationship with the girl.
You soon learn that Haldelar seems to think his daughter may have been summoned by a man named Tauster in Thurmaster whom she worked for and just had to leave in a hurry. Andren, however is hysterical and points out that it is unlike Jelenneth to have left without telling him goodbye or even leaving a note or message.
Again Barthelew is apologetic for the situation at hand and tries to explain the inn's services for the group. They offer a service called 'roughing it' which means you share a 12-bed common room, possibly shared with the barge workers who come with their merchant masters to Milborne and are not averse to the odd spot of pilfering or to a knuckle-fight after far too many pints of ale. The beds in the common room are hard bunks covered only with an old blanket. For those wishing to wash while 'roughing it' there's the horse trough outside the tavern. A 'roughing it' bunk cost 3 silver per night per guest. A sum that includes a skimpy breakfast of day old bread and a small beer.
Staying in one of the two-person rooms is known as the 'getting by' package and cost 5 silver per guest per night (mandatory double occupancy), a guest would get a slightly better breakfast and a slightly more comfortable bed with actual sheets.
But Barthelew suggest it is better to 'live well' and have ones own private room for 9 silver per night, given that the bedding is clean, the windows and door locks are secure, and the breakfast consist of sweet cured bacon in one of Parella's fresh small loaves, which is an excellent start to any adventurer's day.
As far as real baths go, one can get a decent bath full of hot water for 2 silver if they are 'roughing it' or 'getting by' but guest that are 'living well' can get a bath for only 1 silver since they are a VIP guest.
With that a crotchety old man that looks to be in his nineties, (which is virtually unheard of in these parts) with cataracts covering nearly both eyes perks up as he throws a empty tin cup at Barthelew which misses wildly and croaks "Stop giving discounts you stupid boy! Gods be damned!" for which Barthelew responds by saying very loudly in his direction "Yes grandfather." and just kinda shakes his head at you and whispers "Don't worry about him, he usually drinks or eats himself into a comma before suppertime."
You can interact with anyone here or get a room, whatever you like.
The NPC's that are here are:
Barthelew - Manager of the inn.
Andren - Barthelew's identical twin brother and fiancee' to Jelenneth.
Haldelar - Town miller and father to Jelenneth.
Dirkaster - Crotchety old man in his nineties, mostly blind and deaf, grandfather to Barthelew and Andren and owner of the Baron of Mutton.
Dorin grabs ahold of one end of the chest. He turns to Grommund.
C'mon brother, let's be luggin' it inside.
After following Athelwyn inside with the chest, Dorin sets his end down at the base of the stairs and places a booted foot on top of the chest. He listens carefully to the plight of the girl and the services of the inn. He then addresses Barthelew.
I be Dorin Stonehammer of the Stoneshaft Clan. Me and me friends will be needin' the "live well" room fer the night.
He then turns quickly to Andren and Haldelar.
What was the missin' lass doin' spendin' the night in this tavern if'n she lives in town? Also, was there anyone else strange stayin' here last night that is also gone?
Her destination is the same as ours, even down to the contact...hmmmm...
Current Map: Link To Map of Milborne
Barthelew responds to Dorin "Well that will be 9 silver pieces.... each. The private rooms are on the 3rd floor. I can give you your keys once payment has been made for each of you."
As Dorin turns to address Andren and Haldelar the girls father is the first to speak "The missing lass as you call her has a name. Jelenneth to be exact, and she is not missing. She has just had to return early to her duties in Thurmaster. I am sure this is just a misunderstanding. As for why she was staying at the inn and not at our house, well she is stubborn to say the least. Independent as they come, she wants to make her own way in the world and has a thing for privacy. Thus the private room here at the inn. We have checked her room over and there was no sign of struggle whatsoever. She also was the only inn guest staying here last night."
Andren suddenly interjects "But her door was not locked, which is odd. She did not return her key or let anyone here at the inn know that she was leaving and I found her spell component pouch pushed under her bed. She would go no where without that I assure you."
Haldelar seems upset at the mention of a spell pouch "Nonsense. My daughter is no wizard. The pouch probably belonged to her employer, he is the wizard. I warned her to stop hanging around such people. Why she wanted to work for one is beyond me and her mothers comprehension. I am sure she will turn up in a day or two and all will be well or at least send you a note, Andren. Or perhaps she has called the whole engagement off and just has cold feet."
After that Haldelar gets up to leave "I have things to do at the mill. You all know where to find me."
You can interact with anyone here or get a room, whatever you like.
The NPC's that are here are:
Barthelew - Manager of the inn.
Andren - Barthelew's identical twin brother and fiancee' to Jelenneth.
Haldelar - Town miller and father to Jelenneth.
Dirkaster - Crotchety old man in his nineties, mostly blind and deaf, grandfather to Barthelew and Andren and owner of the Baron of Mutton.
Dorin counts out 9 silver pieces and places it on the table with a smile.
I'll be needin' that key, good Barthelew.
He speaks directly to Andren.
Let's be talkin' a bit more 'bout Jelenneth and 'er employer, Tauster in Thurmaster, shall we? It seems we be headin' there ourselves.
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Fronar opens the pouch on his belt with one hand and his other makes a small flourish and ends above his head and pointing down at the open pouch.
"Facio, Voco, Ferre."
As Fronar finishes his incantation, 9 silver pieces rise out of the pouch and float to the counter, directed the entire way by the index finger of the hand above his head.
"Who wouldn't want to 'Live Well'? And BACON..." Fronar's body shivers while he licks his lips. "mmmmmmmmmmmmm, everyone loves bacon!"
Fronar receives his key and walks over to Haldelar. He tugs lightly on the man's pants leg to grab his attention. "Wizard you say? Wizards can be a troublesome bunch." In a mimicry booming voice he adds, "always POWERS OF MAGIC, MIND YOUR TONGUE, YOU KNOW NOT WHAT YOU MESS WITH, Blah.. blah.. blah." Fronar's voice returns to his normal childlike gnomish tone, "Who is this..." He position's his hands on either side of his head and curls the index and middle finger several times, as if making quotation marks in the air, "Wizard?"
Grommund also shells out the nine coins necessary to live in relative comfort. He lets the others worry about the troubles in town, deciding to stay close to their chest and have a few drinks.
Frowning, Siann rummages in her belt pouch, finally plucking out a single gold. She places it on the table and pulls back one of the other silver already placed there.
Ordinarily, she'd not have opted for a 'fine' room, but with her injuries....
She moves over to stand behind Dorin, arms crossed, waiting for Andren's answer to the dwarf's question.
"Yes, a key ... and a bath," Namara says, laying a gold piece on the counter. "If you can spare me for an hour, I'll be in much better condition to help watch the chest."
If no one objects, Namara hobbles toward the bathhouse, hoping a long soak will ease some of the aches and pains of the day's battle.
Current Map: Link To Map of Milborne
As Haldelar moves off toward the door and Dorin ask Andren more about the girl and her employer he responds, "I am unconvinced that she just wandered off or went somewhere without telling me." when asked directly about Tayster he responds "Jelenneth is Tauster's apprentice and if you are going that way then can you help look for her along the way? Ask anyone you run across if they have seen her. Then if it isn't too much trouble could you ask Tauster himself once you get there?"
He then reaches in his pocket and produces a locket with the girls picture engraved inside it and shows it to Dorin. The locket reveals an attractive young woman with long black hair and green eyes. "She is 20 years old, 5' 4", and of slim build. She usually wears a distinctive rich blue cloak with silver clasps at the neck. She also wears a small silver signet ring that I gave her; it jas a "J" engraved on the inside of the band."
"So you will help look for her then? Oh and what business do you all have in Thurmaster?" he says while eyeing the chest at the base of the stairs.
Meanwhile as Haldelar is attempting to leave he is confronted with Fronar's display of words. Looking more annoyed at being stopped from leaving than anything else. "Tauster is my daughters employer. You types are all the same. Show offs. Do you not think I just saw you floating coins at the bar like magic is some kind of game to you? Magic has a price, I just hope than Jelenneth hasn't had to pay the tab." and with that said he storms out.
You can interact with anyone here or get a room, whatever you like.
The NPC's that are here are:
Barthelew - Manager of the inn.
Andren - Barthelew's identical twin brother and fiancee' to Jelenneth.
Dirkaster - Crotchety old man in his nineties, mostly blind and deaf, grandfather to Barthelew and Andren and owner of the Baron of Mutton.
Dorin smiles at Andren.
Let me be talkin' with the others in me squad, and I will be lettin' ya know if we plan on helpin' ya out. As fer our business in Thurmaster, I'm afraid I canna' be disclosin' such matters. Meet us down here fer a drink after we settle in, eh?
He turns to Grommund.
Shall we, brother?
He hoists his end of the chest, and if Grommund agrees, heads upstairs to the privacy of their room to discuss the plan of action.
Current Map: Link To Map of Milborne
Andren looks at Dorin "Well, where else am I gonna go? Gotta help my brother run the place." he says as he smiles for the first time since you first met the young man.
You can interact with anyone here or get a room, whatever you like.
The NPC's that are here are:
Barthelew - Manager of the inn.
Andren - Barthelew's identical twin brother and fiancee' to Jelenneth.
Dirkaster - Crotchety old man in his nineties, mostly blind and deaf, grandfather to Barthelew and Andren and owner of the Baron of Mutton.
Dorin smiles at Andren.
Let me be talkin' with the others in me squad, and I will be lettin' ya know if we plan on helpin' ya out. As fer our business in Thurmaster, I'm afraid I canna' be disclosin' such matters. Meet us down here fer a drink after we settle in, eh?
He turns to Grommund.
Shall we, brother?
He hoists his end of the chest, and if Grommund agrees, heads upstairs to the privacy of their room to discuss the plan of action.
Grommund nods, grabbing his end of the chest. He helps Dorin carry it up to their room. "What was that you were jabberin' with the locals about? Do yeh think it's wise tae get distracted by something here, when we're meant tae be on our way to Thurmaster? I'd rather get the job done than mired down in farmer's troubles."
Aye, brother, I agree, but it be too much luck that the lass be havin' the same boss that we be needin' to deliver the chest to. Mayhap they'd be knowin' the best path t'Thurmaster, no?
Siann remembers to grab a key, then follows the dwarves up the stairs, glancing as she does so at Namara heading for the baths.
No , Siann. That kind of luxury will make you go soft. A decent bed is all I need. Siann thought to herself, exercising a great feat of will to not turn around.
She catches the last of Dorin's comment, "I concur Dorin. Having a local's knowledge of the land hereabouts might be invaluable." she says, a little smile turning up the corner of her mouth. She realized she had just parrotted the commander of her former mercenary company, bringing back a multitude of memories that quickly erased any trace of that little smile.
Current Map: Link To Map of Milborne
Making their way up the stairs to the third floor with the chest they spy the door that had to belong to the missing woman as it is roped off with some kind of yellow twine.
You can interact with anyone here or get a room, whatever you like.
The NPC's that are here are:
Barthelew - Manager of the inn.
Andren - Barthelew's identical twin brother and fiancee' to Jelenneth.
Dirkaster - Crotchety old man in his nineties, mostly blind and deaf, grandfather to Barthelew and Andren and owner of the Baron of Mutton.
"I dinnae realize the connection. You suggest we go an' look for the girl?"
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Fronar darts out of the room assigned to him and down the hall to the rest of the group. "So which room is the chest goin in? I don't take up much room, so there's plenty of space in mine." He shrugs his shoulders showing a reaction of indifference. Like a child with ADD Fronar shifts to the side and rushes into the dwarves' room. Straight to the bed where he springs up and bounces a few times. "Ooooooooooo. You got a springy one also! Y'all do a spring test on yours yet? I do so encourage you to try it." With the 3rd or 4th bounce he ends on the floor, but not before exclaiming in midair, "Weeeeeeeeeeeee!"
"Dwarves dinnae jump much, lad. We're talkin' of our plans here in town. You'd do well tae sit and listen. Maybe offer yer opinion."
A mental struggle ensues for Athelwyn, lost in her own thoughts and torn between retiring to the relative comfort of a private room or pressing further about the potentially mysterious circumstances surrounding this Jelenneth's absence. After fishing in her beltpouch, she produces a single gold coin by way of payment for a private room and a bath. Finally, key in hand, she finds the gumption to sate her curiosity and strides across the room to Andren.
"Not to intrude, but I overheard much of the conversation. I am a mage of some means, and wondered if the component pouch was still present? I wouldn't pry, but I thought perhaps an eye familiar with implements of the arcane might be able to determine if something was unusual about the items in question." She steals a brief glance at Barthelew, then says "I could examine the room as well, if you'll permit. Perhaps I could confirm if the room has played host to any magic."
Can we all be havin'a quick meetin' in my room, 'afore you all be gettin' busy with baths an' such?
After gathering everyone with the chest in his room, Dorin opens the conversation to solicit everyone's opinions on the next steps.
We be needin' to leave for Thurmaster in the morn', in me opinion. We can be usin' Andren or the Carpenter for findin' the best route, and mayhapwe come acrioss the lass on the way. Anyways, she be employed by our contact fer deliverin' the chest. We can at least be askin' 'bout her when we arrive. Any other ideas?
Current Map: Link To Map of Milborne
As Athelwyn makes her case with Andren the young man produces the spell pouch, upon examining its contents Athelwyn determines that they are low level components and perhaps the young woman was just starting to learn the art of magic. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary, nothing really missing, obviously the girl used the components as backup as most magic users used focuses for everyday things. After the examination was complete Andren took Athelwyn up to the girls room. Nothing looked out of place in the room, everything seemed to be in order, no signs of struggle and the bed was still made.
You can interact with anyone here or get a room, whatever you like.
The NPC's that are here are:
Barthelew - Manager of the inn.
Andren - Barthelew's identical twin brother and fiancee' to Jelenneth.
Dirkaster - Crotchety old man in his nineties, mostly blind and deaf, grandfather to Barthelew and Andren and owner of the Baron of Mutton.
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"Agreed. Shouldn't be difficult to scrounge up 1 apprentice wizard." Fronar scratches his head as if in deep thought. "You know who might know where she is? That silly ruffian who lead the assault on us back on the road. They were trying to capture magic-y types. Jelenneth may have posed a similar trophy for them? Perhaps we should continue an interrogation of that one?" Fronar puffs up his chest and leans back a little, obviously very pleased with his "revelation".
“Ye know, you might be right, Fronar. Where did the constable say they’d keep him? Maybe they’ll let us talk to him. Though, I dinnae see what motive he’d have tae talk back. We’ve got no leverage that I kenn.”
Siann looks at Fronar, a look of frank astonishment on her face, "I do believe that is the first sensible thing that you've said. In fact, it could be that our own client may be in danger from these 'mage' stealing bandits."
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"Should we head over and dig in the leader's head right now? Fronar looks around and scratches his head a bit. "Or do we continue enjoying the comforts of civilized life tonight and continue our investigation tomorrow morning, with some fresh eyes and minds?" Fronar jumps up and down excitedly, "Ooh, ooh, ooh! Anyone wanna play some games? Games of chance or luck? What do y'all think?"
“I think me corns hurt, Grommund says. He reaches down and pokes his boot with a grimace. “Mornin’ fer me lads and lassies. G’night.”
Grommund leaves Dorin’s room and goes to his own. He undresses, locks the door and puts his sword at his side, and then goes to sleep.
Hold on, brother. I be thinkin' we need to set up some shifts so we can all be restin' and watchin' the chest. After all, the lass may have been takin' from a locked room, eh?
"Fair point, брат. We've got five folks, one casts spells. Let Athelwyn sleep, and we can guard her as well. The other four take two hour shifts, dim eyed humies first. Wake me when it's my turn."
"If that's fine with everyone else, I won't object. I could find no signs of struggle or anything else out of the ordinary in the girl's room. Assuming nothing of note turns up here, maybe we will learn more when we arrive in Thurmaster." Her eyes flit briefly to her somewhat roadworn facade. "A bath is in order before I do anything, however. Shall I leave my key in your care for the interim, Dorin?"
Current Map: Link To Map of Milborne
As the group retires for the evening the night goes quietly enough. The next morning you awake early and have breakfast ready to start the new day. Knowing Thurmaster is still about five days travel away and you will not have a real road to follow for much of the way you prepare your belongings and get the chest back on the cart. After speaking again with the constable no information can be gleamed from the bandit leader. He still won't even give up his name. However the bodies from the road were recovered and Garyld informs you they were all locals that he recognized, however the leader was still a mystery to him.
You can interact with anyone here or get a room, whatever you like.
The NPC's that are here are:
Barthelew - Manager of the inn.
Andren - Barthelew's identical twin brother and fiancee' to Jelenneth.
Dirkaster - Crotchety old man in his nineties, mostly blind and deaf, grandfather to Barthelew and Andren and owner of the Baron of Mutton.
After securing the chest, Dorin approaches Andren again.
We will keep an eye out fer yer lady, Andren. I will be havin' word sent back t'ya at the first chance. Mayhap, do ya be knowin' the pbest path through the country to Thurmaster?
He calls Fronar over.
Show 'im the map t'see if he can give us any helpful paths?
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Fronar uses both hands to tap all around his chest as if waiting for the map to show up even though it clearly was not there. "Map... map... map... I could swear it was here somewhere. Oh wait, I know, I put it in my pack fer safe keeping!" Fronar drops his pack to the ground, quickly opens it up and begins grabbing the contents and tossing them out on the ground. "Hmmmmm, where could it be? Nope. Nope. That's not it. Nope." With each "nope" a different items is pulled out and dropped to the ground. "Oh wait! I think I found it." Fronar goes headfirst inside the pack and all that can be seen are his legs and feet moving frantically in the air.
After a few seconds, he pops up and raises a rolled parchment high in the air. "Voila! I found it! I knew it was in there somewhere." He almost trips over the belongings strew out around the pack as he unrolls the map and shows it to Andren, along with a content smug smile, obviously very proud of producing the item in question. "Here you go. Would you like me to get something to mark on the map with?" Fronar looks back at the mess on the ground and rubs his chin, "Where is that inkpen?"
In the morning, Grommund gathers his meager possessions and makes ready to continue their journey.
Current Map: Link To Map of Milborne
Andren is taken aback for a moment by the color on the map. "Is this hand drawn? It looks different than most maps I have seen. Very detailed, I must say." he then looks over what you have presented to him. He then takes you over to his crotchety old grandfather Dirkaster to answer your questions.
"Well lets see here sony," he says snatching the map from your hand and holding it close to his cataract covered eyes. "You see, you all are 'ight here in Milborne." he says as he points to your location on the map. "The safest means to travel is to follow 'e Churnett river. When it comes nigh to the Thornwood" again pointing on the map "You want not go in them there woods. Only the part marked as the Blessed Woods is be inhabited by 'umans, though some stupid farmers graze them pigs on acorns 'long Hog Brook. But you don't want to go in them there woods, you mark my words. I can still remember the Scourge, as we calls it round here, when Count Parlfray brought in all them mercenaries to clear out the orcs. Killeed more of 'em than my dog's killed rats, they did. No sign of the varmints now. But there be darkness and evil in those woods, they do say."
"There be one of them druids in the Thornwood too! The old druid--I misremembers his name... Darlen was it?--'e gathered his last mistletow a few years back, like, and now there's this funny female critter runnin' round with a pack o' wolves, they do say. Wolves! I ask you! Owls and ferrets was good enough for old Darlen. I don't know what the world's comin' to. Buy me a tankard will ye?"
After the old man gets a drink he continues... "Now once ye make it past the woods you might wants to cut across away from ye river but I wouldn't if I was you, or you'll miss out on the best part of ye trip, you see. Keep following the river into the Redwoods. They be cultivated woods with many fruit trees and berry vines which yield fine crops this times of year, hence the name. Luvverly the Redwood is in the spring, when all the flowers are in bloom. I done my courtin' there when I was a lad."
He smiles to himself and continues "Well, once you out the redwoods it is smooth sailing on into Thurmaster. But don't expect much out them backwood bumpkins. They make Milborne look like Waterdeep in comparison. Anyway your tents are always welcoe here at my inn as long as your coin is plenty. Might even charge you double next time. Now go on and leave a old man alone, and leave a few gold as a tip for me grandsons."
You can interact with anyone here or get a room, whatever you like.
The NPC's that are here are:
Barthelew - Manager of the inn.
Andren - Barthelew's identical twin brother and fiancee' to Jelenneth.
Dirkaster - Crotchety old man in his nineties, mostly blind and deaf, grandfather to Barthelew and Andren and owner of the Baron of Mutton.
Siann watches the display of Fronar searching for the map with poorly disguised contempt. At least at first. Then as the gnome's antics continue, a small smile twitches the corner of her mouth.
At his last question, she shakes her head and reaches out and plucks the inkpen from behind his ear, where he had absent-mindedly tucked it during his search for the map.
"Here." she say succintly, holding the inkpen infront of Fronar's face.
Doing her best to look on with a subdued enthusiasm, and almost succeeding, Athelwyn leans over the table and hangs on the old-timer's every word. The elder's warning about the Thornwood is about as alluring as his recounting of the Redwood's vibrance, but she offers no response save from a slight bend at the corners of her mouth. Wanderlust didn't seem terribly appropriate for the time being, however. After delivering their parcel, maybe she could take in the sights a little more fully.
"Seems simplest to follow the north bank of the river and avoid the Thornwood altogether, I think. Wouldn't mind a look at the Redwood myself." Athelwyn considers a moment, then asks Andren, "Is there anything in the way of a ferry or barge that plies the waters -- one available for hire?"
Current Map: Link To Map of Milborne
Andren speaks up as Athelywn ask about a ferry or barge "Well for matters of the river you would need to see Capella down at the boathouse I reckon. Her boathouse is where the river barges come to be tethered when doing business here. The Churnett's waters flow westward so you'd be going upriver. That is if a boat is even going to Thurmaster. There's barely one hundred people out there if that is even the case anymore and none of them poor souls are none to bright if you know what I mean."
he pauses as if thinking on something...
"Now if you are just wanting to cross the river to the north bank then you could take The Folly bridge." he then laughs, when the man sees that you don't understand he explains himself "Oh the Folly bridge only goes half-way across the river. Been here for over fifty years. It is made of superb hardwood. Only problem was that it was built by an idiot. This merchant paid to have the bridge built and only realized when they were half way done that here in Milborne the river is shallow enough to ford easily in the right spot. Although the bridge has made a popular local fishing spot out of itself. So if it ain't flooding then you can get across the river on foot here fairly easily."
You can interact with anyone here or get a room, whatever you like.
The NPC's that are here are:
Barthelew - Manager of the inn.
Andren - Barthelew's identical twin brother and fiancee' to Jelenneth.
Dirkaster - Crotchety old man in his nineties, mostly blind and deaf, grandfather to Barthelew and Andren and owner of the Baron of Mutton.
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Looking a bit perplexed Fronar expresses his concern, "Water, boats, swimming... I'm not very graceful at water travel." His eyes grow big as a he points an index finger at the sky. You can almost see a light bulb flickering above his head. "There was talk of bacon with the price of the room. Maybe they don't cook the bladders. I could tie the ends off, fill them with air, and connect them to my arms to keep my small body from sinking." Fronar's eyes shift diagonally up and left. "Arm floaties! Yes, that's a brilliant name for them. If we decide on the water route, it shouldn't be too difficult to fashion them very quickly."
Looking around at the rest of the party, "So many decisions, if y'all fancy fate's luck, I got some gambling dice. We can let a lucky shake determine the best plan? What do y'all think?"
Fronar reaches into his belt pouch and produces a pair of well worn dice and places them on his upright palm an extends it out to show the party, waiting for a response.
"I'll not plead the case for fighting against the current all the way to our destination, nor complain if the scenic route proves to be the best path. On the other hand, I wouldn't spurn any of Tymora's favors, should she find us deserving." Athelwyn smiles down at Fronar while he fumbles for his dice.
Ok, all, I think we be havin' what we need. Let's be off, shall we?
Dorin takes his position at the left flank of the wagon and checks his armor, as they prepare to head off.
Fronar, let's keep that map where we can be gettin' at it quicker next time, eh?