Mott hurries over, hastily garbed, and goggles at the fallen abomination. He dry heaves a bit, then calls to a few of the equally-disheveled drovers in the growing crowd.
"Burn that ...thing."
He looks to the priests and priestesses.
"If you could speak a few words of warding over this fire I'd appreciate it"
The drovers fetch piles of wood from the bonfire area and splash it with jugs of lamp oil from the caravan's stores. A blaze rears up as the storm dies and the last few ragged clouds whip over the frowning mountaintops, revealing a miser's chest of jewels in the darkened sky. The two main moons are revealed, casting their odd faint twin shadows on the snow-carpeted landscape.
The rest of the night is uneventful. In the morning the caravan digs out of the snow and begins its weary trek. By midmorning the summit of the pass is reached. The day has dawned clear, but cold. From this vantage point the party can look downwards on the Great Forest, its trees stretching off to the distant horizon.
"We're halfway there," Mott comments "And I'll never be so happy to see Lumberton."
Sondergang shakes his head..my powers are limited as yours are brother..but I'm sure normal flame will suffice to purify this abomination."
Sondergang nods in Merzhans direction.."then perhaps you'll do the honours...fire cleanes and purifies...as in the forge so let it be here"
The next few days of travel are much easier. The caravan starts down the pass, headed towards Lumberton and the Great Forest.
Three days pass and the caravan is not bothered again. The folks on guard do get the feeling occasionally that they are being watched, but it never materializes into anything. They leave the high-altitude snow behind and enter the treeline again. The temperatures warm, and there is a distinct feeling of Spring in the air. Birds and small mammals begin to appear in the foliage.
On the fourth day down the pass, the caravan reaches Lumberton. Built at the feet of the Darkridge range, the town is built mostly of wood. The whine of sawmills along the Melisare River greets the caravan's ears as they approach. Farmers clear lots and plant new crops all along the road as the caravan wanders in.
A large caravanserai is located outside the Lumberton walls. The caravan pulls in and the various groups begin splitting off. Lady Arianna's wagon is approached by three men in half plate accompaning a thin man in velvet doublet and hose. The men's tabard symbol is a double-bladed axe surmounting a felled tree. Crystal imagines this would be the House Tallifer heraldic symbol.
Merzhan has spent some time with the Garonan priestess Cinda. She now hugs him and whispers.
"If ever you need anything, I will be at the Temple of the Dawnflower."
She runs off to help her comrades get their gear into the city.
The Vagabonds set up a separate camp near the gate of Lumberton. Soon a curious crowd gathers to watch the singing and dancing of the brightly-clad folk. Root looks over at his companions, then ambles over to the Vagabond camp.
"I'll be back, I think"
Various town clerks run over the caravan's supply accounting with Mott. He has let you all know he plans to stay in the area trading for a week, then push on to the Elven port city of Aearmîr. Since you have all done such a good job, he pays you all the 100 GP he originally promised you and promises 100 GP more to anyone who sticks with him to the port.
"You're some of the best guards I've ever had. I'd be happy to keep you on a regular basis."
Crystal spends the remaining days of the journey with the Ladies entourage and Mellie. Helping where she can with the skills she posses.
Once at Lumberton, Crystal helps see the fine Lady Arianna safely to her beau. She spends time saying farewells, wishing the other woman the very best she can and makes sure there is a way for the two to maintain some sort of correspondence. If possible, she will also perform for the Lord Vladoman Tallifer, the better to spread the tales of both her companions valor and the fine Lady's virtue.
There shall also be a HUGE bath, with lots of scented perfumes, steaming warm water and soap, lots and lots of scented soap! ^_^
For the rest of the week Crystal shall spend the time with Mellie. Clothing and equipping the young girl so that she can adventure along side the group. A set of 'city' clothes, a set of 'adventuring' clothes plus 'rain slicks'. As well as s suit of leather armor and some simple weapons. She also spends some of her caravansary money's on buying them both a light x-bow each, along with the extra time for the pair to practice in using the weapons.
So, her week days are spent,
Initially with a light breakfast thence educating with studies the young Mellie in the mornings; Some simple weapon practice in the early after noons. A nice lunch, whence Mellie can wander off and play and explore the town, while Crystal prepares her dress for performing in any of the taverns which would pay to have such a fine Bard in their establishment.
.
Crystal bids Lady Arianna farewell. Her, her two guards and her chaperone all bid her safe journeys.
"If you come back, I shall be Lady Tallifer, and you shall play at my new husband's court!" The young woman declares, smiling
Outfitting Mellie is more expensive than Crystal would have thought. Being a frontier-style town, most goods are dear , but there are places to find them.
There is a local bathouse built on a natural hot spring, where Crystal and Mellie enjoy a good long soak with many pricy soaps and unguents . Lumberton, befitting a frontier-style town, has a dozen taverns and all of them are looking for talent. Several Crystal discounts immediately, as they are so low-brow that she'd only be paid attention to if she was naked and gyrating. There is a high-priced tavern/inn called the Eagle's Aerie that seems to be well suited for the stylings of a bard such as Crystal.
Crystal bids Lady Arianna farewell. Her, her two guards and her chaperone all bid her safe journeys.
"If you come back, I shall be Lady Tallifer, and you shall play at my new husband's court!" The young woman declares, smiling
There is a local bathouse built on a natural hot spring, where Crystal and Mellie enjoy a good long soak with many pricy soaps and unguents . Lumberton, befitting a frontier-style town, has a dozen taverns and all of them are looking for talent. Several Crystal discounts immediately, as they are so low-brow that she'd only be paid attention to if she was naked and gyrating. There is a high-priced tavern/inn called the Eagle's Aerie that seems to be well suited for the stylings of a bard such as Crystal.
"It shall be my greatest honor!" Crystal does heartfelt declare to Lady Arianna. Giving warm hugs and other pleasantries in parting.
So, a good amount of moneys left over, I do think. :)
Crystal does indeed enjoy and make full use of any amenities. Also making sure young Mellie puts the bathing facilities and such to good use as well.
As for the less noble establishments? I'm sure an exotic Teifling will be both a crowd drawer and rumor magnet. Of course, who such an exotic person actually is beneath the mask and body paint? One or two nights of such fun couldn't go astray? (^.~)
Ingra wanders over to Borondon when he is alone, she clears her throat and asks, "You wanna wet our beards in some ale? She flutters her eys in anticipation of his answer.
|
"I will be sure to seek you out before we travel again." Merzahn says, his hand lingering onhers for the briefest of moments, accompanied by a warm smile.
As different group members disperse, he shifts his vision for a moment, scanning the areas of the town for any magical emanations that may be unusual to such a settlement.
Seeing his companions wonder off Navorn gives a smile and calls "What? No one whats ale? really?' Shrugging his shoulders he heads off to find a nice Inn, some ale a bath and some willing company in no real order
Ingra wanders over to Borondon when he is alone, she clears her throat and asks, "You wanna wet our beards in some ale? She flutters her eys in anticipation of his answer.
"Aye, nothin' I rather do right now." Borondon replies with a big crooked-tooth grin.
Divel gets down and nods to the offer before heading into Lumberton looking for a shady tavern and a even shadier conversations.
He doesn't look back once.
Sondergang finds the local smithy makes his calling known and asks for forge time, he is willing to pay for the privilege.
Sondergang finds the local smithy makes his calling known and asks for forge time, he is willing to pay for the privilege.
There is quite a bit of smithing hereabouts, including a dwarf-run smelting facility for processing ore brought in from the surrounding mountains by prospectors (also in Dwisby). Symbols of both Torag and Vulcan are prominent at any of the half-dozen smithies in and around Lumberton. Sondergang can get forge time for 1 GP a day.
Ingra wanders over to Borondon when he is alone, she clears her throat and asks, "You wanna wet our beards in some ale? She flutters her eys in anticipation of his answer."Aye, nothin' I rather do right now." Borondon replies with a big crooked-tooth grin.
The two saunter off towards an alehouse called the River Pan. It seems to cater to both Dwarvish and Human prospector types, a little rough, but fun-looking
"I will be sure to seek you out before we travel again." Merzahn says, his hand lingering onhers for the briefest of moments, accompanied by a warm smile.
As different group members disperse, he shifts his vision for a moment, scanning the areas of the town for any magical emanations that may be unusual to such a settlement.
Merzhan picks up many magical emanations hither and yon. Many axes are ensorcelled, many seem to be retrofitted Dwarvish battleaxes now repurposed as lumbering tools.
Also sorry for such a horrendously large post. *^.^*
Crystal gets a gig at the Eagle's Aerie for 5 GP a performance. She asks around the Hellfurnace Club, a bawdy burlesque type of club, and is informed that dancers or performers were paid 1 GP plus any 'gratuities' they could get from the crowd
Seeing his companions wonder off Navorn gives a smile and calls "What? No one whats ale? really?'
Navorn first tries the Traveller's Rest, a quiet inn with cheap (1 GP/night) prices. Not much action in the common room, but he heard Crystal mention she would be performing at the nearby Eagle's Aerie
Svetla wanders off into the night. She had been quiet since the encounter with the winged ogre beast. No one sure what is on her mind
Departing:
Divel
Svetla
Rootabega
Yikes! Maybe might need a casting call..
Navorn will spend some time at the Traveller's Rest, get a meal, a bath maybe have his cloths laundered. After that then he'll head to the Eagle's Aerie and see just how lively this place is of an evening.
Sondergang will wander up to the temple at Dwisby..He'll talk with the senior priests at the temple and tell them off the incidents on the road. If necessary he will consult with the village Elders and take their advice on what should be done next.
Navorn will spend some time at the Traveller's Rest, get a meal, a bath maybe have his cloths laundered. After that then he'll head to the Eagle's Aerie and see just how lively this place is of an evening.
The Traveller's Rest is bascially a boardinghouse with a small tap room, barely an inn by the usual standards, but the rooms are spacious and cheap. Navorn wanders over to the Eagle's Aerie and finds it to be a crowded upbeat place, but with a lot of bouncers and a more upscale mercantile-class style of patron. .
Sondergang will wander up to the temple at Dwisby..He'll talk with the senior priests at the temple and tell them off the incidents on the road. If necessary he will consult with the village Elders and take their advice on what should be done next.
The two dwarves are told to head up a mountain road for a mile or so and they will reach their goal. Dwisby is almost impossible to spot abovebround. Just a few storage buildings, a sawmill and a tavern/inn called the Dragon and Shield are visible. Underground, Sondergang and Eitri find a small replica of a dwarvern fort hall, though of a much less grand scale than the ancient halls of Tharkad-Kûl. The temple to Torag is also a working smithy, and the two meet with a priest/smith called Fombur Strikecopper. He listen's to the two's words with grim attention
"There have been many rumors flying about these mountains. I fear that the force that drove our ancestors from their halls is stirring once again. "
Crystal's performance at the Eagle's Aerie is well-recieved, and she drinks and eats for free, as well as gathering 3 GP in tips.
Her performance at the Hellfurnace Club is taken very well. Crystal disguises herself in a daring costume (there are many at this club) and a ball mask styled like a cat. Her dance routine has the crowd of rowdy lumberjacks, drovers and farmboys whistling and stomping the boards for more. She recieves 10 GP in coins from the crowd, as well as several invitations to spend time with some of the patrons.
Crystal's performance at the Eagle's Aerie is well-recieved, and she drinks and eats for free, as well as gathering 3 GP in tips.
Her performance at the Hellfurnace Club is taken very well. Crystal disguises herself in a daring costume (there are many at this club) and a ball mask styled like a cat. Her dance routine has the crowd of rowdy lumberjacks, drovers and farmboys whistling and stomping the boards for more. She recieves 10 GP in coins from the crowd, as well as several invitations to spend time with some of the patrons.
Liking to sing a tune or three himself, Navorn looks about to see what customs are here about preforming . He normally just find a hearth and starts to play, but after such a week he's looking to unwind not start trouble. Still almost seems wrong not to spin a tune or 3.
Borondon and Ingra join Navorn at the Eagle's Aerie, and Borondon begins downing pints. He quite enjoys Crystal's performance, cheering loudly and drunkenly, while continuing to drink himself into the usual stupor.
Sondergang nods grimly.."I have trodden the hallways of Tharkad Kul..the power of darkness is strong there...but the darkness is not stronger than the forge fires of Torag"
Sondergang nods grimly.."I have trodden the hallways of Tharkad Kul..the power of darkness is strong there...but the darkness is not stronger than the forge fires of Torag"
Formbur nods and taps at his large ornate hammer holy symbol.
"The fire in the heart of the dwarven race is strong. We will need every spark to combat the foretold rise of the Skull King."
Liking to sing a tune or three himself, Navorn looks about to see what customs are here about preforming . He normally just find a hearth and starts to play, but after such a week he's looking to unwind not start trouble. Still almost seems wrong not to spin a tune or 3.
Navorn finds plenty of places to play. Entertainment is a hot commodity out here on the frontier.
Crystal ends up at the table of a handsome young noble and his retinue. The young man, Sir Parsifal Macewarden, is a vassal of House Tallifer. He is good looking and seems wealthy, but has a streak of arrogance common to such folk. His family holds a steading in the surrounding hills and he is currently serving his four-month vassalage obligation to the baron.
Borondon and Ingra join Navorn at the Eagle's Aerie, and Borondon begins downing pints. He quite enjoys Crystal's performance, cheering loudly and drunkenly, while continuing to drink himself into the usual stupor.
Borondon enjoys Crystal's performance, and the rich homebrewed ale of the Eagle's Aerie. Dwarvish brewmasters were definitely consulted when making it. The three at the table drink until the small hours, staggering up to their beds afterwards .
Crystal ends up at the table of a handsome young noble and his retinue. The young man, Sir Parsifal Macewarden, is a vassal of House Tallifer. He is good looking and seems wealthy, but has a streak of arrogance common to such folk. His family holds a steading in the surrounding hills and he is currently serving his four-month vassalage obligation to the baron.
Navorn makes his way toward the stage , giving a smile to the crowd as his fingers strung along the strings of his yarting. Soon he swings into a ditty about an elflord and a drawven maiden, with high sweet chords and a rather rollacking rhythm
Navorn makes his way toward the stage , giving a smile to the crowd as his fingers strung along the strings of his yarting. Soon he swings into a ditty about an elflord and a drawven maiden, with high sweet chords and a rather rollacking rhythm
1d20+11
Over the next week, Navorn builds quite a following in Lumberton, playing impromptu sets in various venues. He nets 40 GP over the course of the week.
Navorn spends his weeks performing in the Inns, taverns and fest halls of Lumberton. His reputation, helps some with a little company to keep him warm on those oh so cold nights. He'll spend this week getting a few things together and see what the others are up to
Sondergang will guest with his relatives in the halls at Dwinby..he will off course ask Formbur if there are any immediate tasks that require the attention of a..'skilled band of adventurers?'
Crystal enjoys both the attention of the Eagle's Airy patrons, , over the week and seeing Mellie unfold as the trauma of the past has faded. Seeing Navorn perform and also gain applause brings a smile to her face as well.
During her days Crystal made sure to wave to any other members of the party that she crossed paths with, stopping to share some time and exchange any tid-bits of information they may have gleaned.
Sondergang will guest with his relatives in the halls at Dwisby..he will off course ask Fombur if there are any immediate tasks that require the attention of a..'skilled band of adventurers?'
Fombur chuckles
"When isn't there a need for those strong of hand and heart? These hills hereabouts are laden with goblinoid tribes. Foul monsters creep from out of the many caves in the mountains here. Undead are always a threat. "
Fombur shudders
"And there is always the Great Forest. That black-hearted fey realm coughs up many evil creatures."
Sondergang nods in grim agreement.."Aye, it seems thee are beset by Darkness Elder...yet wandering aimlessly in the hopes of stumbling over creatures is not what I have in mind...give us a definite focus and we will deal with it..quickly too..I trust my companions."
"Aye, give us a target and we will crush it, in the name of Torag!"
Fombur thinks
'Well, the Black Dale has been having problems as of late. There are passages into the Lower Halls of Tharkad there and the Dalesmen have been fighting off organized orcish raids."