"Hes called Jack."
After seeing the dwarf, passed out in his chair, and the large number of mugs before him, he says, "I'd like to see me an him in a drinking contest sometime! They would talk about that one through the ages."
"Is there somewhere we should make sure this guy gets to? I don't wanna leave him here... unless this is just usual for him."
Current Map: Link To Map of Milborne
Thimson replies to Erdann "Oh, just leave him. I'll have me bo run him home shortly. He stays in a old, small ramshackle house down by the river. He is either always fishin' or here drinkin' or in between the two."
You can interact with anyone here or get a room, whatever you like.
The NPC's that are in the Baron of Mutton 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.
The NPC's that are in the stables are:
Nafton - Owner of Nafton's Stables and Kennels
The NPC's that are in the Silver Crown are:
Thimpsen - A burly man and owner of The Silver Crown
Gergel - Thimsen's son and bar back of the Silver Crown.
Old Grizzler - An old grizzled white haired dwarf who walks with a gnarled staff.
"Well, I'm going back to the tavern. Wolfgang, you know where our room is. I'm takin' Jack to the kennel for the night. Come on boy!"
Pip leaves with Jack, taking him to the kennels and then settling down in his room. He leaves his weapons scattered around the room, all within his reach. His kobold-make dagger is left under his pillow.
"He's adorable," Faey says, giving Jack a scratch behind the ears before he and Pip head off.
To Alex she says, "Shale we?"
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After being nakedly disrespected by Garyld in his request for an introduction to Mr. Carmen, Wolfgang holds his own council and silently observes as the rest of the party heads to the Silver Crown and pump Old Grizzler for local rumors.
At some point, as Faey tries to give Wolfgang money for the loss of old Max, Wolfgang steadfastly refuses a single coin, saying, "Nay nay, me dear. Let us not let such trifles sully our friendship. Keep thy coin and simply contribute to the next mount. Let us hope that good fortune brings us a tide of wealth our way so that such base amounts are no longer even worthy of the keeping."
As Pip heads to the tavern, Wolfgang follows him, anxious for bed and morning and a chance to be quit of their cargo so they can explore this under-charted neck of the woods.
Current Map: Link To Map of Milborne
After a night of rest the group gathers the next morning to try and sort out there lack of a mount for their cart over breakfast, Garyld soon arrives and appoligizes for Mr. carmen for not having time to meet with them but he has sent them a gift for their loss on the road. A quarter-horse is awaiting outside and is at their disposal.
Seeing the discussion of the trip ahead and the group looking over their map of the area 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 the map. He then takes you over to his crotchety old grandfather Dirkaster to answer your questions on the best way to get to Thurmaster.
"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."
Everyone can benefit from a long rest at this time.
"Wolves, huh. That doesn't sound good, especially if they're the kind you ride. Any little green bastards scurrying around in the area?" Erdann asks, referencing goblins.
Current Map: Link To Map of Milborne
Andren says to Erdann "Well goblins be always involved in everything, but haven't see the likes of one around here in a long time."
All your exhaustion is gone. It would have been gone over the days of travel between Milborne and Thurmaster.
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Wolfgang heartily thanks Garyld for the mount, asking him to relay his thanks to the good Mr. Carmen. Then, briefly, he asks a follow-up question. "Um, for as important as a mount is, is there any chance to get a second mount? Of whatever condition and at whatever price would be fine. It's just that I'd hate to be stranded in the middle of the Redwoods with a slain beast."
That answers, for yea or nay, and he's ready to travel.
Pip wakes up, and immediately walks to get Jack from the kennel.
"I'm ready to go. But I agree that we need a mount. Without one, I'm afraid I will slow you down quite a bit."
Faey sets with a steaming cup of tea, listening to Dirkaster's instructions, mind alight with curiosity...orc ghosts, a wolf girl, and Druids! Perhaps this area isn't as boring as I thought!
When talk turns to the mount situation, she adds "Brilliantly put Wolfgang, we likely won't have another captive convenient to harness up next time. I'll gladly purchase the spare, assuming we find one available."
Other than that, Faey is ready to continue on to Thurmaster.
Also, sorry for the late reply. Was down all day yesterday with a migraine, and just now found a few moments at work to post.
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Alex points outside through the window "Unless I'm mistaken Mr.Carmen gave us that steed, so the cart problem has solved itself. But we may do good to purchase another one if possible, not only they will be less tired but if we lose one we still have another. Or maybe the gods smile upon us and we get another captive!" he asks for the map and put it over the table "The real ques tion here is wether we are going Dirkaster's route or we want to trace another. We have a bit time to spare and I'm intrigued about the wolf druid chick."
"Agreed. Bringing two gets us no guarantee that they won't both be killed in the same battle."
Current Map: Link To Map of Thurmaster
After stowing their gear on the small cart once again and Pip taking the drivers seat the group headed off they forded the Churnett river to the north bank in the shallow area here at Milborne and turned east in the direction of Thurmaster. The trip was mostly uneventful, they stopped at farms here and there and stopped journeymen along the route and inquired if any had seen Jelenneth but no one admits to even a glimpse of her.
Thurmaster is a walled village of some 100 people. As your group approaches closer you all see a great many abandoned houses, now falling into ruin, lying just outside the rickety wooden walls surrounding the village. The walls look like they were built many decades earlier. As the group approaches the village gates they see it is manned by two bored looking militiamen as you arrive at the gate one of the men speaks up "State your names and reason for entering the village of Thurmaster." he says with a yawn.
"Clem. And we're hear because we've heard what a wondrous thriving community this is, and just had to visit".
The slice is a bit hungover, and ornery from last night, and sometimes his sharp tongue moves before he wills it to do so.
Current Map: Link To Map of Thurmaster
Surprisingly the guard just kinda shrugs at your reasoning for coming here. "Go on about your business seeking whatever it is you came to seek." he then waves you on by.
A wizard lives...here? Faey ponders as Thurmaster comes into view. Suppressing a grin at her companion's quip, Faey smiles brightly to the guard, "Faey Vallidorn, my friend. Come to see a client about a shipment." She eyes the poorly maintained walls, along with the poorly kept guardians, wondering what could be held here that would warrant them. "Can't say as I've ever seen a walled village, though I must confess I'm more than a little new to the area. Is this common in these parts?"
"Not many people around here, eh?" He says to his companions.
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Alex watches as the guard does his job with extreme
meticulousness and turns to whisper Faey "God, do they need to invest in proper guards. That entrance test was exhaustive hahahaha!" before asking the rest "Shall we go straight to the pointy hat home before looking for an inn? I'd rather free ourselves of the weight."
"I certainly agree. It'll be great to be free of this burden, not that I actually carried it. Also with completion comes pay, and with pay comes food and drink."
Current Map: Link To Map of Thurmaster
The guard grudgingly responds to Faey's question about the village walls "Built some 40 years past as a defense against the then-marauding lizard men of the Shrieken Mire."
He then turns to Pip "Those lizardmen killed scores of farmers and villagers--fully half the town's population before Count Parlfray did anything about it. We are all that's left."
When Jelly burst into song about the wizard the guard states "Him? huh. Up in his tower I reckon. Being retired and all, he don't get out much."
When Alex mentions an inn the guard says "The Hound and Tail. Can't miss it, only one we got. I wouldn't eat the mutton pies though. Gives you the runs if you know what I mean. Now move along, you are blocking the busy town gates. How is a fella supposed to guard a gate if you all are standing in it?"
With that the guard goes over to his companion who looks to have dozed off leaning against the town wall and slaps him on the shoulder. "Hey your up. It is time for my break."
The two man seem to switch positions as the guard you were talking to now leans against the wall and closes his eyes. His companion looks at the group through sleepy eyes "You heard him, carry on."
"Thanks."
Pip wastes no time getting the chest to Gordrenn.
Erdann also escorts the chest as his primary concern.
"Suits me. I'm ready for a nap myself... as well as maybe a little hair of the dog if you know what I mean".
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Wolfgang is taken aback as the guard lays out the town's history. Egad, man," he says to the now awake guard. "Do you mean to say that those abandoned buildings have stood like that for forty years? Or, are you still suffering attacks from the lizfolk? In four decades haven't you wanted to, Idunno, expand? Surely even 100 people would feel a need to take some breathing room? Or are there a spate of farms far flung all over?"
Wolfgang motions the others on. "Go on with you all, I'll catch up. My curiosity simply will not let this conundrum lay until I can see it's root."
"Alright, can you take Jack? I don't want to take the risk that Gordrenn will not like dogs."
Current Map: Link To Map of Thurmaster
Wolfgang questions the guard further "Yes the farms have been abandoned for 40 years for the most part. Since that time, the lizard men have become much more reclusive and tend to flight if they see any humans or demihumans; they clearly have memories of the battle when Count Parlfray sent the group of fighters after them and wiped out nearly a hundred of their number. However since that time no one has wanted to come here, at least not to stay. Hell son, we don't want to be here either. We just don't have no where else to go. The town gets by well enough, fishing, agriculture, harvesting of marsh reeds and hay, and light forestry on the margins of the Blessed Wood are the main sources of income here. A lot of the people that remain just want to be left alone, as do we. NOW MOVE ALONG!"
Pip leaves his new found friend with Wolfgang as the rest of the group take the group toward the tower as they arrive they can clearly see a small two-story stone tower nestled next to a plain looking wooden house. The tower looks to have a very large, very high quality lock on the door.
Feeling a touch sorry for the poor guardsman, moves past Wolfgang and follows the others through the gate, ready to unload the cargo and meet the wizard who would retire to such a...locale.
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Wolfgang curiosity is only enhanced at this odd answer, but he doesn't feel that he can get any farther with the man. The Sword Coast is literally dotted with burgeoning towns and villages where a strong arm or back can find work and a living, so why that they would insist they have no where else to go??? Is...is this some thieves den for ne'er-do-wells? Or some deep woods smuggling operation? Surely such had ended with the fall of the Iron Throne? Fah, what e'er the the cause, 'twas unlikely to be solved at this point.
In time he looks down, to see a well-behaved puppy dog sitting and starting at him. Wolfgang looks at Pip's retreating back and start to say something, but he's already out of ear shot.
"Well, puppy, it seems were are companions, at least for the now. Let's see what trouble we can get in, eh?"
Wolfgang liberally pets the dogs fluffy head and motions for it to follow. He says to it, "I don't think we're needed for that business. Surely so many of our able companions are able to drop off a single box. Let us secure a repast and await their return."
Wolfgang leads the dog into the nearby tavern. He hopes that a large soup bone can be secured for the pup.
"Erdann, make sure your elf disguise is sittin' tight. We're accepting, but he might not be."
"But of course."
After getting no answer by knocking on the tower door the group tries knocking on the door of the normal looking wooden house next to it.
A man answers the door who appears to be in his mid seventies. He is 5‘ 3” and thin, but paunchy, and has little of his sandy-colored hair left. His light blue eyes are rather watery as he eyes you suspiciously.
"Can I help you?"
Current Map: Link To Map of Thurmaster
As Wolfgang entered the village proper and approached the tavern he could clearly make out the name 'The Hound and Tails'
Like much of the village, this tavern has seen better days. The 'Tails' of the name are those of foxes, as the battered painted inn sign shows. As you open the door you can see only a couple scraggly looking patrons and a surly looking barkeep that one of the patrons refer to as Weismar. A half broken sign behind the bar reads 'Shared Rooms 5 silver per person. No exceptions.' A yawning waitress in dirty clothes sits with her head down at a table. As soon as you enter she hops up and wipes her apron clean and stumbles over to you "Kin we he'p yo' wif sumpin?"
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Wolfgang sits down and smiles at the waitress. He extends a hand for shaking, and as she accepts, he kisses the hand gently. "Ah! Good day, my Lovely, good day! I am but waiting for some friends to finish their business with the man in yon 2-story Tower, I believe Tauster to be his name. So an ale for me, and if you have any odd soupbones bereft of meat and ready for the gnawing, my erstwhile companion here would be eternally grateful!"
His suspicion soon breaks when he hears of a package for delivery and now seems delighted that you have arrived, he exits his home quickly and shuts and locks the door behind him as he walks over to the door to the small wizard's tower. He says some quick arcane words and a symbol glows on the door and then quickly fades. He then unlocks the tower door with a rather large looking skeleton key, but he does not open the door yet.
"Ok where is the chest. Quickly now let me get it inside without fuss."
Current Map: Link To Map of Thurmaster
"Oh yo' friends lookin' fo' thet old wizard, cuss it all t' tarnation. He is probably down thar in his tower as usual cookin' up sumpin terrible ah's sho'nuff an' knows ah ain't see his li'l gal aroun' eifer. Thought she went home t'th' high an' mighty Milborne."
She then brings you back a rather watered down ale and says "We doesn't haf enny soup bones, but we got mutton pies eff'n yo' interested in feedin' him one."
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Wolfgang grins, convinced the waitress is flirting back with him, but confused by the logic puzzle she's thrown up. "Ah! So he...has a woman, does he? She have a name? And how about you? You have a man with a name?"
Then he ponders a bit. "So you have mutton pies? Is the mutton fresh? If you have to butcher the mutton off a mutton leg...then would you have a mutton leg bone about?"
For some reason Wolfgang knows that a dog would rather have the marrow inside a bone than anything else, and he's gonna try hard to get him some.
"Right here sir." Pip shows him the chest.
Faey walks to one side of the chest, assuming one of her companions will take the other, but stops as Alex brings up the possibility of an impostor...considering...
Not really what I'd pictured, honestly. She thinks, eyeing Tauster...
"We did have some trouble on the road here that seemed a bit queer. Seemed like someone went through quite a bit of trouble either over us or the cargo. Maybe they're willing to go through the trouble of heading us off here." She says, more to herself than anything.