Erdann remains silent, enjoying the first warm meal in days.
Current Map: Milborne Map
The evening passes, with a good hot meal in your stomachs and plenty of ale and wine, sleep is found easily enough. The farmhouse wasn't much in the way of looks but it served its function well. As the night passes and daybreak gives way the house is already a buzz of activity with the hands off to do daily chores and Kuiper prepping for the trip to take Max home. You are all surprised with a hot breakfast awaiting you and rations for the trip already packed on your wagon and your pack animal having been cared for and fed. The morning conversation goes pleasantly enough and you feel you have made a good friend of Kuiper and he has shown each of you great hospitality during your stay.
Soon the goodbye's are said and you load up on your cart and head off west in the direction of Milborne. The twenty odd miles to the village meant that you should arrive before nightfall and would not have to spend any more time camped on the road and would be in a nice bed yet for another evening. Haranshire wasn't turning out to bad after all.
The trip went uneventful and soon you are within sight of Milborne as the sun is setting. Your thoughts race for the Baron and Mutton and the comfort of the inn but soon realize that you would have to relay the bad news to Andren that Jelleneth had not been found nor had you seen any sign of her. He was bound to be highly upset.
So before dealing with the inn you turned the cart toward the carpenter's building and soon are stopped and find Garyld, still in his armor and with the now familiar red feathers sticking out of his quiver he limps over to you on his bad leg and welcomes you with a broad smile.
"What's the good word my friends? Any news from Thurmaster? Any luck tracking down that girl that ran off?"
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"Well met, Garyld. Sadly the search hasn't finished yet and there aren't many good news. Kuiper sent us to warn you of a rise in orc activity." says Alexander as he tends his hand to Garyld "We had to fend off a large group, but there may be more and isn't advisable to let people walking around Hog's Branch unprepared and unwarned."
"Orcs?" he snaps his head to attention. "At Hogs Branch?"
Garyld then takes out a piece of scrap paper and begins to scribble something on it "Go on, I am listening. Give me any details you may have about them."
"And what happened to your leg?"
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"Well organised, divided in squads. They carried a brooch and shield with a distinct pattern. Armed with silvered weapons." recounts Alexander as he points towards the orc's sword he carries and Pip's shield "They ambushed us while we were camping and fought to the last man. Fierce and disciplined. They weren't your average orc raiding band."
Garylyd looks at Erdann "Use to be an adventurer just like you. Back in the day that is, until my leg got all busted up. Even with magical healing I now suffer from arthritis in the joints of my legs and hands. I guess when your in your fifties it takes a toll on you. The life you chose, I mean."
Then turning back to Alexander as he begins telling more of the story. "Organized? That could be dangerous. Silver weapons? That is sure unusual." looking over the shield that Alexander pointed to. "That is a plain looking shield. What is this pattern you speak of? And do you have this brooch I may see?" he says as he continues writing.
He then lets out a ear piercing whistle and soon a bright eyed crow lands on his shoulder.
"Oh and a magical enchanted shield." Garyld says as he continues to note what you are telling him. Once he is handed the brooch he says "I don't recognize it. Looks expensive. Wonder where the orcs got this?"
He then finishes his writing and folds the paper into a tiny scroll and tells the bird, “Take this to Shiraz.” Taking the paper in its beak, the crow flies off to the southeast.
"Do you know if you or anyone could track where the Orcs came from? I mean, some of us need to bring the fight to them, before they raid a town and bring the fight to us. Or if it was just a guerrilla group?"
After the bird is out of sight Garyld returns his attention to the group and to Jelly's question "Given what you have told me I would say that the Oleanne is probably attempting that very thing as we speak. Shiraz is a fellow ranger, more mobile than myself" (this with a rueful glance at his bad leg), "who is especially friendly with the birds in the region. If Jelenneth is anywhere in the western part of Haranshire, Shiraz will probably be able to get some news of her." He says.
Then looking at everyone else "I promise to let you all know anything that I find out and all I ask is that you also pass along any news or clues that might be important."
Then he turns his attention to the inn "I guess you all should let Andren know the bad news, just assure him the search is not over and that we all will continue looking."
"Thank you."
Current Map: Milborne Map
Parting ways with the ranger the group made their way over to the Baron of Mutton. The task of speaking with Andren was not something they looked forward to but it was something that had to be done. When the group came through the door, Andren was eager for any news and then once the group had a chance to tell him that they had found nothing so far he was quite depressed at their lack of progress.
The group ordered up drinks and dinner and got rooms for the night. While everyone was enjoying themselves over the evening festivities a jolly, plump, balding man in his fifties approached the table. He was dressed in fine clothes, both colorful and of high quality. He introduced himself boastfully as a merchant named Traxus and had overheard what you were trying to do for Andren and wanted to know if you were for hire.
He explained his situation in a plain and simple offer, obviously trying to use simple words and sometimes he paused to think of the right one to use.
"You see lads and lasses, I have a river barge currently moared at the dock here and in the morning we plan to take it on down to Thurmaster. And seeing how things have happened of late I am willing to offer you 15 gp each to escort me and my barge on our trip down the river. I have heard about the kidnapping and bandits in the area and I simply fear for my cargo."
"I'll even pay for your room and board tonight as a bonus. Drinks on me!"
"So what do you say?" he then offers out his hand "Do we have a deal?"
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Alexander orders a drink before speaking to the man "I don't usually work with people that don't tell me their name, but that is easily solvable" he smiles "Near Thurmaster is Kuiper's farm, so we could accompany this sailor and then check on him, maybe deal with the orcs after."
"Anyway, before we leave either by barge or in other direction, I would need to buy supplies. Maybe try to find a buyer for the silvered sword, as I won't need it anymore."
As per the PHB, silvered weapons cost an additional 100gp, but it also says most monster equipment isn't in good enough "shape" to be sold.
Are the Silvered Longswords good enough to sell -for 115/2 gp = 57 gp and 1 ep? If the answer is yes, I will sell it and buy a Longbow plus 40 arrow for a total of 52 gp.
If I can't sell it, I will buy a Shortbow plus 40 arrows for a total of 27 gp.
The Slice realizing that his attitude is probably not the best for negotiating work contracts lets the others handle that portion. He sits quietly in a shadowy corner, absentmindedly cleaning his nails with one of his sharp knives.
He watches the man carefully for any signs of deception, as they discuss terms and socialize.
Insight
Pip goes to try and sell some of his old equipment.
Then, if possible, I would like to spend that 32 gp, plus 13 from what I had before, to get myself some studded leather armour.
Current Map: Milborne Map
Turning to Alex the merchant says "I did tell you my name, kind sir. Maybe you didn't hear me at first, why with all the activity. My name is Traxus. But it is your name that has failed to grace my ear?"
Then the merchant looks around at the others and seeing that they have no input on his offer turns back to Alex.
"Did... did.. I overhear ... you just said something about orcs? Here?"
With that word now mentioned a couple of times over the last few minutes every patron in the bar including Andren falls quiet and now looks to Alex as panic begins to set into their eyes.
Andren speaks up in a loud voice "Did orcs take my Jeleneth? Are they coming here!"
Currently you have no viable lead on the orcs or the missing girl but you were offered payment for going to Kuiper's Farm by Tauster who is in Thurmaster so by taking the barge job to there then you could collect and see if he has heard anything of Jeleneth why you are there.
You can sell it, your calculations are correct.
The man seems honest enough... for a merchant anyway.
You can sell it, your calculations are correct.
Good to go.
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True enough, he said us his name... remember kids, never try to roleplay when you have just awoken.
Alexander smiles at the merchant "You are right, Traxus, I seem to be forgetful at times. Well, I do believe my partners agree, we'll escort you." he says as he drinks his ale.
When Andren gets alerted Alexander stands up and walks up to him, trying his best to calm him "Andren, relax. You shouldn't worry about the orcs. We found a hunting party, well prepared and armed, but we defeated them. The authorities have been alerted that orc activity may be on the rise, but that's all, and we'll deal with them if need be. About Jelenneth I'm sorry but we haven't found a clue, but that's still good because if, alas, she would have died we would have found out."
"We have veteran rangers helping us, and we'll find and bring her safe and sound. For now just keep calm, everything is going to be alright."
Alex please give me a persuasion/charisma check.
"Sounds good, I suppose I could enjoy a float down the river instead of walking." Erdann says at the offer of the gold for services.
When the bereaved Andren walks in, Erdann pointedly lets Alex do the talking, and busies his lips nursing his ale.
Pip sells some of his stuff, and buys himself a new suit of armour. "Don't I look handsome, Jack?" He says, petting the dog's head. "Also, can I get some of my money converted?" He asks.
Selling this stuff decreases my carrying capacity to a light load.
Current Map: Milborne Map
Andren seems to continue, the tension in the room heightening even more "Shouldn't worry about the orc? You say. Shouldn't worry about my Jeleneth? You say. You seem to say alot but give us no direct answers."
He then turns to the rest of the patrons in the room "The've thrown in with a lot of rangers, Garyld probably. How is a limp carpenter going to help us, AGAINST ORCS. Garyld had a dozen militia soldiers in his company.... ONCE, but eight were conscripted for the war, two were slain in an ambush, Garyld was crippled and only two others are left. ONE a farmer and the other on the other side of Haranshire. How are THEY going to help us?" he says as he gets a few cheers back from the crowd.
"And how are you helping?"
Once Pip is done shopping, he goes to find the others, and buys himself a drink. "Erdann has a point." He says from his place at the bar. "What have you done? Why should we help you? We've paid for everything, we brought you business, and we killed your resident orcs. We are trying to find your girl. So, let me ask you a question." He turns around in his seat. "Whats in it for us?"
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Alex stares at the man "I get that the fear of losing Jelenneth is overcoming you, Andren. But sincerely and in all honesty I don't give two shits about what you say about me, my friends or the rangers." he says while maintaining the stare "I don't do this for you, nor I do it so you all cheer me when we come back. I bled fighting the orcs so you didn't have to. And I am looking for Jelenneth because I care, I will keep fighting and helping because that's what I want to do... So talk as bad as you want of me and those who are helping us find her..." he says walking back to the table.
"... But doing so won't bring Jenneleth home sooner, nor will it alleviate your fears."
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Wolfgang rises from his seat, the fire of insanity ringing his eyes a shade of terrible blue. "Oh ho! If words of comfort bring you discord, then prepare thine ears for succor.
I shall will not speak to thee of worry-not. I say you should be worried. I say you SHALL be worried. Fear the orc. Fear the dark. Fear the inevitable hand of death that stalks your every waking hour, each breath you take bringing it closer to your inevitable end. Fear the day, fear the night, fear the haunting hour of twilight when spirits hold a changing of the guard.
If you would see our hands moved for your purpose, then let us heed the old saw: 'Whoever pays the piper calls the tune.' Let us see the color of thy coin, and THEN our ears shall listen to bardbed tongue.
But if empty pockets you bring us, then we have NO pact, and we have NO loyalty to thee or thine."
Power most terrible creeps up Wolfgang's body. Wisps of lessons best unheard and faces of things unknown and unknowable play along the edge of an icy film that dances on his skin. "Hold not to words of strangers, but heed thy own voice. Every empty hand should a weapon hold, and be not caught unawares. Take the life that threatens yours, and flinch not from pain in standing fast upon the Line. THEN! Then you shall see the help in the STEEL within thy own fist.
And never search for that which you would best not find.
You have spurned soft words, so receive with open arms my harsh truth."
The mist dissipates and Wolfgang heavily sits down in his seat, as if his words have held back an unseen tide.
Pip grins at Wolfgang's display, his teeth giving him an unsettling image. "Meddle not in the affairs of adventurers. I never experienced that before. And that's what we are not, isn't it?" He says musingly, "Adventurers. Hmmf, that's an odd thought."
Pointing to Wolfgang, Erdann simply adds, "Hey, I knew there was a reason I liked this guy!"
The Slice raises one eyebrow at Wolfgang's tirade, and unconsciously slides his chair back a bit from the man.
Sometimes I wonder who speaks through this man...
He then looks to their patron, a wolfish grin on his face.
Current Map: Milborne Map
Erdann was the first to speak after Andren let loose on his tirade, Andren turned to respond but before he could Pip had chimed in as well.
"I... I... am but a tavern worker. What can... I do.... what can any of us do. We are not trained soldiers and we have... little coin." he says as he looks for the words to questions he has no real answers to.
Then from the other side Alex and Jelly hit him with statements and questions and he stumbled even worse trying to answer them "Garyld has a local militia he can call up I guess... but... but... they are only... farmers, smiths and normal people... not trained to fight.... orcs."
When Wolfgang began his show, it cleared the tavern quickly as every patron scrambled for the door which only left the group, the bartender, Traxus and Andren currently in the main room. Andren did not respond but instead slumped back down into his chair and began crying... "I miss her so.... I am sorry.... it's just...."
Traxus cleared his throat to break the tension in the room "Oh yes, now where were we. Oh yes, my barge. Leaving in the morning, so do we have a deal?"
"Well, keep that in mind when you start throwing complaints and accusations the way of people who have done nothing but try to help you. You've illustrated how helpless those in your town are, do you really want to make us feel unwelcome? Then your only chance of saving her is gone."
"We'll get you your girl back. Call up the militia, get your defenses up. Hmm, I might have an idea..."
Current Map: Thurmaster Map
The conversation keeps going and finally Andren is given the night off and escorted from the main room, with the evening being paid for by the merchant everyone has time the rest of the evening to enjoy good company and get a good nights rest. The next morning before heading to the barge Pip ask Garyld to try and send a message to his old adventuring company and was told that he would do so by the next caravan that was going in that direction.
The barge trip down the river is entirely uneventful and really makes the day drag on and on. Once the barge docks in Thurmaster the merchant happily pays the agreed upon amount and hands each of you 15 gold pieces for your time. Once you arrive you go and find Tauster and report the events at Kuiper's Farm, in turn Tauster pays each of you the agreed upon amount for delivering the letter to Kuiper as he had asked and your pockets grow yet another 10 gold piece richer.
Tauster expresses his disappointment and concern that no sign of Jelenneth has been found. The old wizard has no more errands for you just now but tells you that you should stay in Haranshire: "You should have no trouble finding work now, what with kidnappings and bands of unknown orcs in the woods indeed! Dark times, dark times indeed” (Tauster likes his cliches) "I have a feeling there are some interesting adventures in store for you."
OOC
At the moment The Slice has nothing pressing for his money, so he sees about converting the gold into either Platinum, or preferably small gems to keep the weight down... presumably the store is the place to start.
Current Map: Milborne Map
The day slowly slips away, and not tolerating the tavern and its bad food here the group decides to just camp out on the barge for the night, telling the merchant it would be safer if they stayed aboard which the merchant had no objection to since you had already been paid but made it clear there would be no more payment for the added security. The night passed quietly as well and the next morning at first light the barge made the trip up river. The travel was much slower going against the current and oftentimes they seemed stuck in the same spot for hours, but finally they arrived back in Milborne around late evening.
Stepping off the barge the group notices a large amount of activity at the exchange and goes to investigate....
You arrive in time to see an auction in progress outside the Exchange: the Denfast family has been forced to abandon their farm due to the spread of the New Mire and are selling off what little they could salvage (farm tools and the like). After this sad spectacle, everywhere in town you go you hear rumors and speculation about what’s causing the land west of the Patchwork Hills to become waterlogged.
You are only back in Milborne for an hour or two when Garyld comes to find you. "Darius Carman has asked me to locate you. He request your presence at dinner this evening at the mansion house. Please dress appropriately and leave all but the most necessary equipment at the inn. This is a formal dinner, with a very important individual."
Please post how you are dressing for the event and what arms, armorments or equipment you are bringing. Be descriptive for everyone on your appearance.
Converting currency is no problem. Also small gems are no problem.
Converting currency is no problem. No magic items here except Potions of Healing for 50 gold pieces.
"Hmmph." Pip dresses in his old uniform, the only clothes he has, putting his studded armour on underneath. As he pulls on the black material, he remembers all the times he wore it. Ah, those were the days. He straps his rapier to his side, polishing it until it shines. He puts his bag of coins on his side, and the insignia of his rank on his chest. Hope the man can't read gnomish. Don't want him to know that I wasn't any sort of officer. Although, veterans should get some respect at least.
"Ready to go." He says.
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Jelly will buy or borrow some fine clothes, however that much will cost, instead of wearing common clothes, he does openly wear his holy symbol. He only brings his money and tinderbox with him (which I assume can fit in your pocket), after all we need (light), and leaves his armor at the inn as well. The money is in his belt pouch, because you know, he needs to wear a belt with his clothes.
Jelly buys one dagger for 2 GP however and puts it in his pocket in case an attack happens at the dinner and we need to defend against orcs.
when i attend the event i will ensure i keep my few coins with me, i wouldn't leave them behind to be potentially stolen.
Erdann attends the event with the rest of the party. Having no weapons or armor to speak of, he dresses in dark blue clothes that fall somewhere above the common rabble's clothing, but falls short of actual fancy dress. The dark blue clothing is well-cut for his shape and made of a durable cloth with a more decorative layer on the outside.
Current Map: Milborne Map
The group prepared for dinner at the Carman mansion and as soon as they were ready they made their way across the village and up the hill. They were greeted at the door by an esquistly dressed butler and shown right in. They were shown to a large dinning room where the solid mahogony table had been set with the finest of dinnerware and six servants in the room pulled out the chairs for each of the guest as the group has a seat in turn. However the chair at the head of the table was empty.
The servants then poured wine, but not any old wine, Elven blush and Elven Brandy were served in course depending on what the guest wanted. It was announced that dinner would consist of roasted duck with some kind of sauce you couldn't pronounce on a good day. With fresh spring vegetables and fig tarts would be for the desert course.
As the servants finished up with filling glasses with the appropriate beverage they left the room and all that remained was the group and the butler who addded "Kind sirs, the master of the house has asked me to inform you that he will be joining you shortly. There is a bell on the table if you happen to need anything. Dinner will be served as soon as Mr. Carman joins you." he then bows and exits the room leaving the group alone for the moment.
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Got caught with assignments! Sorry.
Alexander will dress with his most expensive clothes. That's a clean white shirt more comfortable that fancy, one with rolled up sleeves and a cord around the collar, and plain brown long pants with pouches and straps to handle blacksmith tools.
Paired with sturdy leather boots.
Yay Fashion!
He will reluctantly leave his trusty greatsword as well as the rest of his gear.
Alexander sits, visibly uncomfortable at the fanciness of everything adn everyone present. He asks for Elven blush and while sniffing the thing he says "This sure smells well, I prefer mead or simple spiced wine, but it's quite good." turning to Pip he comments on his stoic appearance "You look like an army officer, Pip, I'm almost tented to parade in your honor hahahaha!" Well, why do you think we are here?" he finishes lowering his voice, as he distrusts most nobles and know they like to snoop unseen.