Insert adventure here.
Monty continues to listen intently wanting to learn as much as possible about this fallen fortress.
Johanna shares Monty's interest in the fortress.
"could be nothing but dust and cobwebs...on the other hand..."
"On the other hand - what is it worth to you? What do you want us to find and fetch you from there? Or want us to do there? And more importantly - how much are you willing to pay for it?" - Hagar speaks slowly, with an even voice, locking his gaze with mysterious patron.
"The name's Vi, and in case you're wonderin' the waffles here are GREAT! But this adventure thing sounds fun too." the gnome chirps animatedly.
"Whatever one finds in abandoned ruins. If it's valuable, I ask for an equal share, call it my finder's fee. I can help move anything you find as well without undue attention. Certain parties frown upon others digging in their playground." he smiles back at Hagar. "If you're interested, I can have transportation for you tomorrow just before first light. If not, I have some other appointments to make."
That's a tempting offer mister. How will we find you?
A chance to chronical a first dig into this fallen fortress. I would be able to write papers on the findings. maybe even books about all the lost history and knowledge. But what of the dangers? ... To hexk with the danger this is learning first hand and not from books.
Excitedly Monty responds
I'm in but I wish the right to chronical this adventure. I hope that is to your satisfaction.
Monty seems resolute in his conviction about writing the tales to be had, which is quite different from what he has shown so far having a weak and timid nature.
"An orc I might be, but stupid I am not!" - Harad objects bluntly.
He raises his huge index finger towards the mysterious stranger in front of him and continues: "As I see, what you're offerin' is the followin' - us to stick our necks and go in some abandoned ruin, and then we can hold as reward whatever we find there, or kill ourselves and take from some monsters cold, dead clawss?! Does not sound like much of a deal, even with you provodin' transportation and such, especially since it's me neck, and of these youngsters over here who's gonna be riskin'it!"
He waits for a moment or two and then continues, looking their "patron" straight in the eyes: "But!...Tell ya what - you give us one...no, two things, and then you have a deal. First, give us some healing in advance at least. Some potions, or salves or whatever. Sounds like dangerous business, and if you ain't gonna be payin' in advance than invest in us in this way. Hell, if we survive, we may even pay you back from our share of the loot. And second" - and here the half-orc grins broadly - "pay us this drinks and a dinner to boost, and you have your deal!"
He casts a quick glance towards others, mild disinterest showing on his face, before returning his glare towards their potential patron. I sure do hope this bluff works, or come tomorrow my boots will be on the menu...
"The young Caydenite should be able to provide for any healing required, but i'll see what I can do." the man nods to Hagar.
"My apologies for not making it clearer, but your drinks and meals for this night are covered, whether you accept my offer or not."
Johanna flags the barkeep
"A bottle of Chelish wine and a small rare steak, please"
It would be a crime against the gods to waste an opportunity for a decent meal.
ohh Chelish wine what a fine choice may I join you m'lady, and we may go into more than one fine bottle.
Monty sits straight up and smiles at Johanna.
What a great adventure I bet my good friend Gyness is not having such a time. I wonder how the brewmaster is doing on his journey.
"So, do we have an agreement?"
"I'm in.'
Yes yes I shall join.
Hidden behind a veritable mountain of potatoes, roast, chicken and several flagons of dark ale, Hagar barely finds the time to answer with a loud - "Aye, I'm your orc...half of an orc actually, hrgh, hrgh..."
He burps loudly and continues to laugh at his own "joke", somehow stil not stopping to eat.
oh this Chelish wine is fantastic. A boquet of blackberries and persimmos give up to a tight tannin washing over the tongue with a finish that is both crisp clean and robust all at the same time. May Cayden praise the maker of this wine their art is extrodinary.
Monty takes another sip thinking of the intrinsic complexities that the wine affords and also the chance of documentation of a new and wonder ful expierience.
"And Vi makes four." Vi exclaims, rubbing her hands together excitedly.
"Most excellent. I can arrange for a cart to take you to the location tomorrow morning." He proceeds to give directions and which city gate to be at on the morrow.
Johanna enjoys the best meal she has had, possibly ever, finishes the wine with Monty then waddles off to her small garret.
Very early the next morning she is at the desginated gate. She looks neat, clean and cheerful.
Come early morning, all of his equipment meticulously packed, oiled and double-checked, Hagar appeared at the designated spot near the city gate. He gave a quick salute to Johanna who was already there, and waited in the silence for the rest of the party to join.
Monty comes running up to Hagar and Johanna already there and waiting in his armor, which almost seems to big in his skinny frame.
oHHhh I am so sorry I had to get a journal and writing utensils in order to document everything that occurs properly. You all must tell me of your stories... uhhmmm that is of course if you want to divulge such information to me. And then I can have an accurate pertrail of all of those involved in the momentous occasion and our journey together.
It's a wonder that Monty doesn't pass out from lack of oxygen for it seemed he uttered the entire statement with one breath.
Ohh wear is my raaaa... oh here it is
Monty looks down to his left and grabs hold of his rapier.
Ohhh is this not exciting and terrifying all at the same time
Vi materializes from the morning mist, her kit packed, bright eyed and bushy tailed.
A cart pulled by two horses stops a short distance from the gate. The driver, a rough looking customer turns to address you, "I'm guessin' you're my fare. The name's Yuri."
Well good morning there Yuri, I am Monty pleased to make your aquaintance
Monty stumble forward and scrambles into the back of the cart.
Johanna smiles at the driver and hops in the back.
"What a lovely morning!" she says, brightly.
"You're guessin' right. How long will the drive take? And is there anything you can tell us of this ruined fortress/tower?" - half-orc asks Yuri, not really expecting any "valuable" answer. Yet he is bored, and that sweet wine from last night was very, very strong. Unlike most people, Hagar would rather talk than brood in silence, when he's semi-hangover, like now.
Monty's face brightens
Ohhh yes yes great question. tell us all you know of the place and.any people who have gone to investigate.
Monty smiles at the half orc slapping him on his back and then rubbing his hand as if he were in pain.
"Just where it is and that i'm to take you there." he says, eyeing Hagar warily. He assists anyone that needs help with their gear before taking the reigns,
"It's a decent haul, but we'll make it before midday. Close enough to the walls that we shouldn't run into any harpies or minotaurs at least."
"Minotaurs, eh? Nasty creatures they are. But them I could fight. It's those nasty screeching creatures that I don't like. Never faced them, just heard of'em. Nasty stuff - lets hope we steer clear of'em." - Hagar spits on the ground, while his eyes scan the horizon.
At the thought of beasts Monty geabs hold to the cart walls tightly.
How bad are the creatures at the fallen fortress.
"Like I said, this close to the city walls, there shouldn't be too much to fear. The harpies and minotaurs are in the more wild regions of the island. I've heard some drovers have run across wild dogs, but i've never seen any." Yuri drawls, his eyes never leaving the road.
The cart weaves through the ruin strewn Cairnlands, past tumbled walls, abandoned war machines, and toppled siege towers, all broken against the impenetrable walls of Absalom. With the midday sun high in the sky, Yuri brings the cart to a stop.
Are we here already?
Johanna takes a good long look at the surroundings as well as the nearest fortress.
Monty beams with excitement and shakes with fear.
ohhh glorius day. what amazing discoveries lie before us today pray Cayden watch over us and protect us.
He then scrmbles down frim the cart.
Midday sun was shining bright, and half-orc, overcome by the pleasant heat, constant gentle rocking of the cart and too much to drink last night, was gently snoring. Awoken by cart finally stopping, he stretches himself, yawns mightily and then gets out of the cart slowly. Scratching his head, he hefts his large weapon and asks out loud, to no one in particular: "So, where to now?"
Well my good half-orc friend we should get the lay of the land and make our move on the fortress.
Monty looks around to get a good look at where they are and where they need to go.
"I'll return at this time tomorrow.", Yuri reaches under his seat and pulls out a sack, "A gift from our employer."he says, handing it to you. Inside are rations and a leather pouch containing two potions.
"May Desna smile on you," and with that Yuri drives off back to the city gates.
The ruined siege castle now being called the Fallen Fortress rises out of the churned earth of the Cairnlands. No doors or windows mar the otherwise smooth expanse of the tower's walls. The tower is quatrefoil in plan; its eastern wing has largely collapsed, exposing the interior floors to the open air. Only the topmost level seems whole, though its eastern portion hangs precariously over the mountain of rubble left by the collapse. At ground level, the rubble frames a gaping hole in the side of the building that provides access to the tower's darkened interior.
Monty looks at the others and then shivers slightly.
W w weeeellll I guess there's on time like the present to get this little party started.
Monty gathers his things and starts towards the opening of the fortress.
Johanna clambers off the cart.
"Would it be alright with you guys if I scout ahead?"
She then heads for the gaping hole.
Once she nears the hole, if the rest of the party has consented, she will sneak in.
Believing he understands what Johanna means Monty shakes his head.
Ooohh my yes yes if you can gives us any upper hand in knowing what lays before us I am all for that.
I wonder what I can remember about the history of this place
"No doors, no windows. Means inside very dark. You may need some light" - Hagar says to the cleric, stroking his chin.
Turning to Johanna - "Yes little one, I think that be a good idea. We'll try not to be to far behind. you want us to wait here, or to follow you slowly?"
Ohh ohh Yes I thought of that this morn during prayers and I have just the thing for that. Also I would like to pray before we enter.
Ohh give us our direction and help us perform that which we need to do.
As Monty prays a light envelopes the group and all can feel the power make their senses stronger.
Monty than touches his shield and it glows brightly.
looking at the half orc Monty smiles
Just like a torch but better.
As Johanna nears the opening she hears a low growl. Three wild dogs lying in the shade of the tower stand and begin to move intently towards her. Roll initiative.
I will also put my actions to keep the flow going
Monty already having shield and rapier drawn being the nervous fellow he is, looks at Hagar as he moves to engage the closest dog.
uhhh I just stab at it right.
"I do not need any light, thank you. It just draws unwanted attention."
for
"Nice stabbin' Monty, you're a natural!" - half-orc shouts to the priest, as he follows his suite and close on the wild dogs. Still laughing, he takes a swing at one of them - "Ah, finally some practice"
Vi draws her crossbow and tries to get a bead on the nearest dog.