The muddy byway you are on winds its way through the forest and, eventually, reaches a damp clearing where the sun struggles to reach the ground through a canopy of forlorn trees. The setting sun allows you to pick out about 30 moldering, thatched cottages that lurk in this clearing. Local children chase pigs and sheep in play, but they all rush toward you as they see you reach the edge of the clearing. They take your hands and lead you into the dark village, and you notice the edge of the clearing is watched by hundreds of unsettling scarecrows made from bones and branches wound together.
Whatever your reasons for being here, you are grateful to be near some form of shelter, as the quickly setting sun shows you just how dark it can get in the Margreve forest. The forest has a reputation for being the cause of many a disappearance, and you don't want to be caught under its boughs without some shelter.
The day seemed to go all to fast, oweing partly to the faint singing that seems to linger at the back of your mind. As annoying as the singing is, the foggy feeling you've had seems to dissipate as the children approach you. The four others near you seem just as confused.
Removing his plumed helmet to reveal a handsome face with a sharp nose and neatly groomed facial hair, the tall Magdar knight meets the children halfway.
"The Lord of Sunlight's blessings upon you and yours, children. I am Sir Oscar of the Order of the Undying Sun. Pray thee, what village is this? I'm afraid I have lost both my horse and my way."
Gierdré has been lost in thought for the last couple hours. A couple of times the bewitchingly lovely young woman expressed concern with the singing, but let it go as no clear danger presented itself. A native of the Margreve forest, she is all too familiar with the superstitious wards that those dwelling in or near the forest erect for protection. She looks over the scarecrows to see if they are familiar to her.
As the children run up, Gierdré thinks back to her own upbringing in the wood and how exciting it was to receive visitors with news of the broader world. Probably what led her to the coaching inn to begin with. But her dreams of the Eastern Margreve had grown more insistent of late and when travelers arrived seeking a native to guide them, Gierdré was quick to volunteer.
Sir Oscar's voice breaks the spell. She smiles and kneels before rising to take their hand. Walking with them and waiting to hear which village we the small group has come upon.
Studying everything around him, as he often does, Ludicrous has been focused on his companions throughout the journey. He studies the armor and shield of Sir Oscar, the movements of Gierdre, always looking for his next character.
As the children approach, he begins to say, "This reminds me of..." but falls silent. This reminds him of nothing he's ever seen before.
Mikal looks at his companions all well as confused as he, Ludicrous even began to say what he was thinking so he finished Ludicrous's thought with the one he had. "...of a nightmare story I was told as a child, where the children ate the strangers they brought to their town." he sighs then looks at the Knight "At least it is only your Horse and way it could have been you mind lost.
Removing his plumed helmet to reveal a handsome face with a sharp nose and neatly groomed facial hair, the tall Magdar knight meets the children halfway.
"The Lord of Sunlight's blessings upon you and yours, children. I am Sir Oscar of the Order of the Undying Sun. Pray thee, what village is this? I'm afraid I have lost both my horse and my way."
One of the older boys, clearly enamoured by speaking to a real knight, says, "My village is called Levoca, sir knight. Do you need a place to stay for the night? Anna will let you stay in her barn, but don't let her talk you into more than a gold piece for each. It's warm, but no all that clean. It's this way." He points to a larger farmstead in the middle of the clearing.
As your minds clear, you begin to notice a few older folks peering from doorways, or stopping their work to stare at you all. None of them looked pleased to see strangers, and you begin to feel uneasy as some of them seem to take a tighter grip on the tools they are using.
Mikal looks at his companions all well as confused as he, Ludicrous even began to say what he was thinking so he finished Ludicrous's thought with the one he had. "...of a nightmare story I was told as a child, where the children ate the strangers they brought to their town." he sighs then looks at the Knight "At least it is only your Horse and way it could have been you mind lost.
"True enough, Mister Varjo. My father had always said that my skull was especially thick, however: I believe my mind would find escape a bit difficult. Ah ha ha!", the knight chuckles.
One of the older boys, clearly enamoured by speaking to a real knight, says, "My village is called Levoca, sir knight. Do you need a place to stay for the night? Anna will let you stay in her barn, but don't let her talk you into more than a gold piece for each. It's warm, but no all that clean. It's this way." He points to a larger farmstead in the middle of the clearing.
As your minds clear, you begin to notice a few older folks peering from doorways, or stopping their work to stare at you all. None of them looked pleased to see strangers, and you begin to feel uneasy as some of them seem to take a tighter grip on the tools they are using.
Sir Oscar nods as if pleased, though the name isn't familiar to him.
"Levoca. Excellent! A prudent suggestion as well, dear lad- my most grateful thanks. Shall we introduce ourselves to Ms. Anna, gentlemen? Miss Gierdre?"Not waiting for much encouragement or agreement, Sir Oscar strides toward the farmstead in the clearing. He smiles, waves and nods to the other villagers he sees.
"It's fortunate that we met those youths first, I suppose. The adults seem less than pleased to see us."
"I'm sure we can make them come around to us in due time."
Ludicrous grins at his companion, rolling his eyes at the reaction of the older citizens of the town.
Looking at the knight and chuckling "I figured that was why you wore the helmut to keep your mind in."
"Well with such a charming man as Sir Oscar I don't think we will have any issue making them come around." Mikal looks around thinking about the name of the town wondering if he had heard something about it and looking at the adult observers hoping they don't plan on causing harm to his companions or himself.
Sense Motive:
Looking at the knight and chuckling "I figured that was why you wore the helmut to keep your mind in."
"Well with such a charming man as Sir Oscar I don't think we will have any issue making them come around." Mikal looks around thinking about the name of the town wondering if he had heard something about it and looking at the adult observers hoping they don't plan on causing harm to his companions or himself.
Sense Motive: 1d20+1
"This is the Margreve. Do you not expect it to be like other places. The scarecrows are wood wardens. They are erected to keep out the horrors of the wood. These people may have recently faced troubles that make them reluctant to welcome strangers."
Gierdré looks about for any of the adults that appear to be a leader or a building that looks more important than the rest.
The children lead you to Anna's place, a modest farmhouse with a similar sized barn nearby. A middle-aged woman who is presumably Anna looks up from feeding some chickens as you approach. She frowns slightly as she stops her work and places her hands on her hips.
"Now, Tomas, what do you think yer doin'?" she says sternly, glaring at the older lad.
Tomas looks down at his feet, mumbling. "These folk need some shelter, Miss Anna. I told 'em they could sleep in the barn."
She glares at him for a few more seconds, then softens her stance. She eyes each of you warily, not sure what to make of such a motley group.
"Well...you can stay, for 1 gold apiece for each night, 2 if you expect two squares a day. I can't offer much more than that, but I gots to feed my own kids. And I'd like to be paid up front, no offense." She looks back at Tomas.
"You and the lads make up some hay beds, and I'll bring some blankets." As the boys run off to the barn, she turns back to you all. "We'll eat in an hour."
Gierdré smiles and reaches into her pouch for three gold coins, "Thank you for your kindness ma'am. We had only hoped for shelter and it would be most kind to have a chance to sup with you as well. And it will certainly be much better sleeping with a roof over our heads instead of having to fend in the wood." She hands the woman the coins. "I couldn't help but notice a chapel to the east. Some of our company may wish to visit the priest. Who do you worship in Levoca?"
grinning at the possible fear, Makil notes what he sees in the adult villagers, it might be something that can be exploited later. "Yes thank you very much lady for your hospitality."
While entering the village, Iliya kept looking left and right. Based on what he saw, young barbarian decided that this settlement is not much different from others he has already seen. After they approached Anna, he kept quiet hoping that someone more outspoken will do the usual greeting and negotiations. Hearing middle-aged woman state the prices, he glances around, and shifts uncomfortably on his left foot.
"I do not mind sleeping on the open, I was raised in that way!" - he stumps his chest once, as if to underscore his statement.
What do I look like to you woman, a merchant?!!? If I had a gold piece, I'd... - he lowers his gaze, and tries to scout (look) around for a relatively secluded place where he could spend the night. He would love to sleep in a barn, some warmth would do him quite good after all that time in the open, but he was too poor to afford these outrageous prices (in his opinion), and too proud to tell the truth to his new found companions.
"I couldn't help but notice a chapel to the east. Some of our company may wish to visit the priest. Who do you worship in Levoca?"
1d20+5
"Here we worship The Green Gods, or as you might know them, Yarila and Porevit. Around here most folk call them Father Forest and Mother Field. Brother Arkadi tends our needs, but he is very old, and I think he's not all there some days...". She sighs softly, looking sadly toward the chapel.
Anna takes the coins then, smiling slightly.
"Well, you all better come on in. I've got some stew on, and maybe I can spare a loaf of bread or two."
As she turns to lead you into the house, a wolf howl echoes in the distance to the north. She freezes in place, tilting her head slightly as if listening. After a few seconds, she continues into the doorway.
A small table with a few stools sits in the middle of the one room structure. A small loft with a roughly made ladder sits at eye level to your right. This appears to be where the family sleeps.
Gierdré nods knowingly, "Of course. Father Forest and Mother Field are well-known to many hereabouts. Perhaps not to some of my companions, but they will surely know Yarila and Porevit. Some of your stew would be most welcome ma'am. Something to warm the bones after a day under the cold eaves of the wood." Gierdré follows the woman into the house, not ready to broach the subject of the grave until after she is more comfortable with the visitors.
Sir Oscar passes the woman four gold coins, not saying anything further about payment.
"Thank you, Miss Anna. My apologies for the imposition- we shan't overstay our welcome."
Iliya shuffles nervously, and waits for other group members to go inside the cabin. Missing the money to pay for his own lodging, he moves slowly through the first dusk as he sets out to tour the village a bit. He will go towards the direction of that wolf howl, trying to discern through the woods surrounding the village, prior to returning. Then he tries to find a suitable spot near Anna's house, but not to intrude on anyone's property, so he can be nearby in the morning when the party decides to continue their journey. After finding a suitable spot, young barbarian unfurls his bedroll carefully, sits on it and starts to sharpen his great sword with a piece of rock, with careful, trained moves.
Another night in the open...I don't think it's too cold, so there's no chance for wolves to enter village. Ah, the comfort - tonight, I'll sleep like a king!
Ludicrous pays his fare as well, simply nodding at Anna and smiling at her.
My smile has always won people over to me before. But this one, rather this whole town, seems a bit off. I will certainly keep my guard up.
Mikal pays the lady "Thank you lady for the use of your barn and the food you will serve us." Mikal bows slightly.
Seeing Iliya hasn't followed the rest of the group, Gierdré ducks her head back out the door and hisses to him, "Come in man, she has invited us all. Respect her hospitality."
You all enter the house, and Anna smiles at each of you as you pass. As she is closing the door, a wolf howl is heard again, only this time closer. After a few seconds, another howl answers from another direction, seeming a little bit closer still.
Anna gets very pale, and shouting is heard outside.
Sir Oscar pulls his helmet back over his head, loosening his sword in its sheath and securing his shield in a ready position.
"Your pardon, Miss Anna. I wouldn't be worthy of my spurs if I didn't offer my help in seeing these wolves off. Please do secure your door and I shall return shortly. What say you, my companions? Surely we can lend a hand?"
Sir Oscar places a gloved hand on the door, pushing it back open to the night.
"Of course I'll help!" Gierdré takes a moment to whisper an incantation and a murky gloom appears to temporarily cover her before she returns to normal. She rushes out the door behind Sir Oscar, looking for the wolves.
Perception:
Mikal follows oscar and Gierdre outside looking around he tries to get a bead on the wolves.
Perception(30ft Darkvision)
"Sir Oscar, your bravery reminds me of a man I once knew, Bertrand the Bold. He was ready for any challenge, and could pack a punch as well. He wielded an axe better than any man that I've ever seen, and his blows dealt destruction to any creature that came in their path."
Ludicrous draws his greataxe, which now looks natural in his hands, and seems more physically capable than before. He looks around for the first sign of trouble, ready to spring into action.
Listening intently, Iliya tries to discern whether these are ordinary wolves. Spending great deal of time in the open had it's advantages, and he tried to recall his previous experiences with said animals, trying to determine what to expect next. His great sword was at the ready, while his eyes kept scouring the dark horizon.
As you emerge from Anna's cabin, the sounds of pure chaos echo through the night. Villagers bearing torches and a few with bows are running around in a panic, lighting a few hastily constructed bonfires.
The sounds of howling wolves come from all directions, closer than before. A few screams are heard to the west, followed quickly by the snarls of wolves.
A few villagers are lighting a bonfire near Anna's house, only one of them carrying a bow. They look all around in terror, perhaps hoping it will all end soon.
Gierdré moves toward the villagers lighting the bonfire and calls out to them "Have wolves attacked before? I may be able to help stop them." A thought worse than the wolves frightens her. I pray that we are far enough from the wood that it will not be angered by the fire!
Wolves...I do not understand, why all this panic over a few wolves?!? - young barbarian brandishes his big sword while running towards the stting sun and the screams he heard. "Nake nula waun welo - he was shouting in his own tribe's native language, while charging towards the wolves.
Yeah...forgot the "N" on top of the compass rose. I'm adding more to my resources for Maptool. I need to find a good compass rose.
Mikal draws his rapier this might not end well if Iliya does this all himself, "Wait up Iliya, city boy here, not used to hunting wolves." he runs after Iliya
Initiative
Initiative:
Sir Oscar continues west, drawing his sword and taking a position near the barn.
Definitely NOT dead.!
ROUND 2
With the bonfire getting larger and brighter, you hear the snarling of wolves to the west getting louder, and you begin to see movement at the edge of the light. Three wolves pace back and forth, seeming to size up their competition.
Gierdre moves to the villagers by the fire, noting the fear in their eyes. She asks "Have wolves attacked before? I may be able to help stop them."
"Yes...usually in mid-to-late winter, though. Something else drove them here", says the older, bearded man.
Ilya, Mikal, and Sir Oscar move as a group toward the barn, peering around to be sure no other wolves are nearby. You count three at the edge of the firelight.
Ludicrous moves off to the east, peering vainly out into the darkness, but sees nothing and only hears the chaos in the rest of the village at the moment.
Feeling the rush of adrenaline pumping, his battle cry still ringing in his ears, Iliya charges towards the wolves at the edge of fire. His sword is held high, ready to strike and pummel enemy into dirt.
Gierdré looks warily beyond the fire, "Yes, it is strange for them to come at this time of year. I'm going to see if I can put some of them to sleep, but I'll have to get a little closer. If I succeed, the rest may be frightened off." She advances to the other side of the villagers and begins casting a spell.
Mikal moves up closer to the tree line drawing his bow as he does readying his shot for when the Wolves come into sight.
Ludicrous moves closer to his companions, keeping an eye to the east to make sure no more wolves are coming from that side.