|
When everyone has arrived, we'll kick off. First, I want to set a few ground rules.
- If something is posted within a spoiler, do not read it unless it pertains to your character. If it is a language that your character does not speak, then that's too bad. If it is labeled with a character's name or names, then it is a private message for them. If you fail the skill check (or don't have the skill), oh well. Finally, if it is labeled GM Screen, you may absolutely not read it!
- There are ways to cheat the die roller. If I find you using any of them, you will be kicked from the game. Don't cheat. It ruins the enjoyment for everyone.
- Everyone who is not familiar with how to format text in BBCode needs to read the "How to format your text" section below. Click the Show button and read the instructions.
- When you character is speaking aloud and in-character, please use boldface text. That way I know instantly that what is being said is said in-character.
- When speaking in a language other than Common, please enclose it in a spoiler labeled with the language. This adds to the realism that not all of you can speak the same languages. If you wish, you may substitute a real-world language into the text; just be sure to put the English translation in a spoiler.
- I use Roll20 for maps. If this presents a problem for anyone, I will instead use Google docs, just let me know. If you don't have an issue with Roll20, let me know your Roll20 name so I can set your permissions.
- Please us the Discussion thread for out-of-character discussion, but I am not opposed to an OOC comment in this thread, so long as it is marked as such (using the occ BBCode).
- I will roll for initiative when needed, and post the order. I roll for all similar monsters as a group, unless one or more is a boss (they get their own initiative).
- Be nice to one another. There is playing in character and then there is just being a jerk. Don't be a jerk.
- Have fun!!!
Hello everyone! Checking in with you all.
I'll be using the following real world languages to simulate the fake languages my character knows via Google Translate. If you'd like to use these for consitency, feel free!
Draconic: Icelandic
Elven: Scots Gaelic
Gnome: Irish
Goblin: Polish
Orc: Hungarian
dot
|
|
You came from different places, but all banded together in the name of protection and companionship. You know precious little of your companions, only that each is an adventurer, like yourself. Your group grew gradually; first two, then another, until you reached a quintet, all heading in the same direction.
The day is overcast and dreary. A light drizzle has been falling all morning, and now, by midday, it has turned into a cold rain. You are chilled, wet, and thoroughly miserable. You enter the small fishing town, hardly taking notice of the name of the place; Saltmarsh. An apt description, given that the area is surrounded by such. Even so, the sight of an tavern is welcome.
You enter, shaking the rain off your cloak and feel the inviting warmth of the fire, the intoxicating smell of food and beer filling your nostrils. You look out over the sea of faces and see what appear to be mostly fishermen and farmers. They seem to take little notice of you, being more concerned with their own affairs.
"Welcome, strangers," a commanding voice bellows from the direction of the bar. "Come in, find a seat, warm yourselves. Welcome to the Merry Mermaid. We have hot meals available, if you hunger." The rumbling in your bellies remind you that a cold, wet breakfast of rations was the only meal that you have had this day--and for the last several days.
A young maiden dances through the crowded taproom to your table, deftly avoiding gropes from drunken patrons. She is a red-headed girl of perhaps fourteen winters, with bright green eyes and an enchanting smile. "What can I bring you gentlemen?" she asks pleasantly.
"Wine, if you please," Eristinian says, warming his hands with his breath. "Whatever the local vintage may be. And hot soup, I should think, to chase away this unseasonable chill."
"Honestly I'd just settle for a place by the fire..." said a weary if slightly aristocratic voice. Tasius blinked as he peered into the Inn, from the outside it hadn't looked terribly inviting but at least it was warm. He glanced at his companions, was that really the right word? He hardly knew them in truth, although none of them had given him any cause for concern, at least so far.
He slumped into a chair and after a few moments he added, "I'm sure some wine and perhaps a little soup with a crust or two of bread wouldn't hurt. Contemptible weather out there!"
|
Despite being the shortest member of the group by a fair margin, Galfon carried himself as though he were just as tall as any of them, if not taller. Unfortunately, it was a little harder to maintain that illusion while seated. But already accustomed to craning his neck, he looks up at the serving girl with a broad smile.
A few more winters on this one and she'll make a man very happy someday, he tells himself with a nod, after taking only a brief moment to admire her fetching looks.
"Hm. Soup sounds good, but I think I need something with a little more substance," Galfon says, his voice a little deeper than one might expect from a halfling. "Some chicken and ale, if you would please."
Friar O'Grady takes a seat with his fellows. The rotund cleric begins salivating at the smell of delicious food. Gesturing to the serving girl, he bellows in a jovial tone, "Well met, young lass! Might I trouble you for a flagon of old stout? Oh...and a loaf and butter, if you please!" He thinks, smacking his lips. "Ah, and the soup sounds good, too! With some eggs and sausages on the side. And roast chicken. Umm...and a shank of mutton! Prithee?"
As the portly Friar's order went on and on, Tasius's eyebrows rose fractionally. In a friendly voice he noted, "Seems you've worked up quite the appetite there Mr uh O'Grady wasn't it? I'm sure a hearty feast will drive the chill from your bones."
|
|
The girl listens intently to each order. How she can keep track without writing them down is a mystery, if indeed, she can even write. She waits until all have ordered, then leaves the table.
Around the common room, you note that most everyone seems engaged in their own business. There are a few curious glances your way, but no one seems interested enough to open conversation. That is, until an elderly gentleman approaches your table.
He is tall and weathered, perhaps in his late 50s, with blue eyes and salt-and-pepper hair. He is well-dressed; his clothing is not that of a simple farmer or fisherman, but a merchant.
"Good day, strangers. My name is Severus Tollis, head of the Saltmarsh town council. It is not often that we see men of such bearing about. May I ask what brings you to our humble village?"
Caelryl nods at the order of his fellow elf. "Yes, soup and wine sounds good. I'll have the same," he tells the serving girl. While he hardly knew any of his travelling companions, his natural kinship with Eristinian drew Caelryl to him. "We at least should have the most in common. I'm not sure about the others though," he thinks as he glances at his companions.
He looks up at the speaker when he reaches the table. "Greetings, Severus. I am Caelryl of Dreadwood. I am in search of the source of evil creatures entering the forest from the marshes. I heard rumors of a haunted manor and came to investigate. While I'm sure each of my companions have there own reasons to be here, we met on the road and decided to travel together, as there is safety in numbers. Are the rumors of the manor true?"
Not accustomed to interacting with humans often, he does his best to gauge the man's response.
"My reasons for being here are much the same as Caelryl," the thin elf replies. "I am Eristinian the Younger, independent investigator and explorer at large. The rumors of the abandoned stronghold on your outskirts drew my attention, and so I made my way here, meeting these folk along the way." Eristinian looks about the other four members of his group, then back to Severus. "Perhaps you can enlighten me on the particulars of that stronghold, as you are the headman of the village. The stronghold lies upon the Andoran/Chelaxian border, I have been given to understand. The tensions between those two nations have not exactly lessened over the last century, so what prompted its evacuation? Did the forces of those two powers head elsewhere to fight their battles? Or is there something more mysterious going on?" Eristinian crosses his arms as he awaits a reply, which has the side benefit of helping to warm his chilled hands.
A little awkwardly Tasius stammered, "Err. Well yes. I was... Well you see I was heading to Almas via Augusta on a waggon train. Then well. I kind of ran out of coin. No no don't worry I'm not destitute, yet. I can pay for food and loging. For tonight at least, maybe tomorrow. Well I suppose I could always sell my signet ring..." His voice trailed off.
|
|
"Haunted?" the man repeats, amused. "You must mean the old Renshaw place. It has such a reputation among the children and a few of the more superstitious folk about. I can't say that I've ever believed the tales of ghosts and ghouls, myself. You'd be as well off questing for old Quasqueton!" He laughs heartily, and a few people at nearby table join in.
His laughter is easy, not forced, and he seems to genuinely believe what he says.
To Eristinian, he shrugs. "The only nearby fortress is Restwell Keep, about 20 leagues to the northwest. It does lie upon the border, but is far from abandoned. Indeed, even today it defends the border between us and Cheliax. But if it's an abandoned fortress that you seek, well, there is the tale of Quasqueton."
"Old Quasqueton", Tasius tried to enunciate the strange word properly, "I don't believe I've ever heard of that. Would you mind sharing the tale? Even if it is intended for children or some such."
Tasius flashed what he hoped was a disarming smile but mostly came across as being rather bookish and a little odd.
An eyebrow arches as Eristinian becomes intrigued by Severus's hint of a tale. "That may be the tale that drew my attention in the first place - tales retold by other ears often have their meanings muddled in the telling. Like Tasius, I would care to hear this tale you speak of."
|
|
"Quasqueton is the stronghold of a powerful wizard and his companion. Rogahn the fearless and Zelligar the mighty are well-known in this region as a great warrior and wizard who lived about two centuries ago. Supposedly, they built a stronghold in the forest to the north and it lies waiting to be discovered even now. Many have gone searching for it, but none have found any evidence of its existence. Most believe that it never existed at all, though a few have said that Zelligar, at least, lives on as an undead horror and still practices his magic in the empty halls."
|
|
Galfon was not entirely surprised to hear that his traveling companions were there for the same reason he was.
"Aye, that would be the one," he remarks, already somewhat familiar with the story. The bit with the undead wizard however, was new to him. "Strange that such a place could go undiscovered for so long. It is not difficult to imagine that magic is involved."
Friar O'Grady listens with great interest to the tales.
"Haunted houses and undead wizards? Colorful tales, indeed!" says O'Grady. "I am but a traveling priest. Having heard that Saltmarsh has no temple to the goddess Desna, my holy order has sent me here to minister to the faithful."
"Of course...if such vile evils such as you speak did in fact exist...it would be my sworn duty to vanquish them to the infernal reaches!"
Tasius listens to the story with polite interest before saying, "Thank you for the tale Severus, most interesting. Sometimes there's a grain of truth in such things, although facts get distorted by time and artistic licence." He sighs after a moment and adds, "In truth traipsing after mythical Quasqueton doesn't sound terribly practical, even if it does exist, presumably nobody knows where! Anyway you said you where the head of the Town Council, is there any work around here? I don't know if bandits or the like are causing any trouble, but if there where maybe we could help?"
|
|
"You might check with Siggrun, our militia master, he will know of any active bounties. His office is right next door , as a matter of fact. He, or one of his men is almost always present.
"'Tis true, good priest, that we have no permanent temple to Desna. Most folk in these parts worship either Erastil or Gozreh. But I'm sure that neither Shan nor Mavoroy would object to you establishing a church, if you can garner a following."
Tasius replies warmly, "Thank you Mr Tollis sir. I shall pay Siggrun a visit after I've eaten."
"That sounds like an excellent next step once we've supped here," Eristinian agrees. "Also, Siggrun, did I spy an alchemist's shop as I came into town? I have passing knowledge of that esoteric science, and wouldn't mind seeing what a fellow alchemist might have available."
Thinking it might be educational to see what rumors might be doing the rounds, Tasius withdraws from the conversation and attempts to mingle. He's perhaps a little too obvious about it and people clam up near the nosy stranger.
After a good long while, he gives up and thinks about heading on over to see Siggrun the militia master. Unless something crops up, he'll do exactly that.
Eristinian raises an eyebrow as Tasius leaves wordlessly, but turns his attention to the rest of the group. "What say the rest of you, my new compatriots? Once we've finished a warm meal and enjoyed the fire, should we head over to Siggrun for any open bounties, then follow up on personal interests before rejoining?"
"Thank you for the information, Mr. Tollis. You have given us much to pursue. Where might we find you if we have any other questions?"
After the conversation with the councilman is over, he returns his attention to his meal and companions. He nods in agreement to Eristinian's suggestion.
|
|
"If I am not at the Council Hall, which is just north of the Timekeepers' Tower, then I'm most like here or at home. From here, go straight down to the docks, then a left on Wharf Street. Follow it along the docks until you come to a large building due east. That's my home."
The weather has not improved since your arrival, and the dark skies hide only more clouds. As you enter the militia hall, a voice calls out, "Wipe your feet! And remove your cloaks and hang them on the rack, please."
Behind a desk sits a young man of perhaps 17 seasons. He wears a suit of rigid leather that is a size too big for him and a sword leans on the desk next to him, half his height. On the front of the desk, a sign advertises a bounty on goblin ears, 2 silver pieces for every left ear brought in. The man behind the desk stands as you enter and extends a hand.
"Welcome. I don't think that I've seen you lot about town, and I know almost every face in Saltmarsh, so I'm guessing you're travelers. What can we do for you?"
Tasius noted the group heading out and he tagged along. He noted somewhat lamely, "This weather seems to have got under my skin, normally I can get a sense of what's going on in a place but tonight I stuck out like a sore thumb." 'Put a brave face on it man', he admonished himself, 'Nobody likes a misery guts. Smile at the next person you meet, maybe it'll help...'
Entering the militia hall, Tasius immediately does as asked and with a friendly (if damp) smile he says, "Good day sir! The Name's Tasius, am I talking to master Siggrun? Well sir you're quite right we're not local, however as fate or lack of funds would have it, it seems we'll all be here for a spell. We spoke to Councillor Tollis who suggested you might be the man to talk to, we're seeking to earn some honest coin. I notice there's a bounty on goblins, a nuisance aren't they! Perhaps we can help?"
|
|
The young man shakes Tasius' hand vigorously. "You want to speak to Captain Siggrun? Aye, I'll fetch him for you. My name is Nathaniel Fisher, Private Nathaniel Fisher, that is. Please, I won't be gone but a moment." He disappears into a doorway.
He reappears a moment later, accompanied by a man with a pock-marked face that shows the scars of a hideous burn that consumes the right side of his face and neck. The man appears to be in his mid-30s. When he speaks, it is in a gruff and scratchy voice, but one that carries authority.
"Fisher tells me that you be seekin' the bounty on goblins. Best place ta search would be the Dim Forest which lies north of town a league or so. The little buggers raid caravans and the occasional traveler or farmer turns up missin'. I'd just as soon you wipe the whole tribe out, but we can't seem to pin down where they are coming from. If you were to do that, there would be a more substantial reward due."
|
|
"North of town, you say?" Galfon remarks, looking up at the captain. He could just barely see over the top of the desk. Ah, desks. The bane of all halflings. For a moment he ponders the goblin tribe's apparent elusiveness, wondering if there is a connection to the rumor they heard earlier. He then looks to the others with a shrug. "Eliminating goblins is a worthy task. All the better if we stumble across their chief."
Tasius nods in agreement with Galfon adding, "Indeed! Let's see what the others think, but if it's hunting Goblins I'm in."
"Blessings upon you, Captain!" says O'Grady, extending his hand in friendship. "These vile Goblins seem to be the bane of civilization these days! You have my pledge to help exterminate the chattering vermin."
"You might check with Siggrun, our militia master, he will know of any active bounties. His office is right next door , as a matter of fact. He, or one of his men is almost always present.
"'Tis true, good priest, that we have no permanent temple to Desna. Most folk in these parts worship either Erastil or Gozreh. But I'm sure that neither Shan nor Mavoroy would object to you establishing a church, if you can garner a following."
"Very well, then. I should like to set up my tent this evening for church services in the morning."
"A goblin warren, hidden from sight," Eristinian says quietly, his eyes shut. "Nefarious creatures, stalking by night. Stealing livestock, then take flight." His eyes open again, and he regards the watch captain. "Do you have a map of where these goblins have struck? We might be able to glean a hint of where their nest may be by studying the patterns in their strikes."
"Then that would be where we begin our search," Eristinian concludes with a sage nod. "I would like to interview the farmers, and see if they saw or noticed anything amiss, but likely we'll have to track the goblins down into their forest warren."
Tasius listens to the discussion with and muses, "Almost tempting to set up a kind of sting operation, but who in their right mind would be the bait? No I think that's a decent enough plan Eristinian. Even canny creatures like goblins are going to leave some kind of trail, especially around their nests. Just got to know where to look."
Caelryl nods at the halfling's remark.
Noting the darkening sky, Tasius asks, "Do we want to be traveling at night? I can summon a light to guide us if needed." He was half hoping they'd say no, traipsing around in this weather was going to be miserable. With luck the morning would bring a nicer day.
Caelryl looks up at the sky, noticing how low the sun was. "It is later than I realized. I think we are better off to finish our business in town today and find somewhere we can get lodging for a good night's rest. We can begin our search for the goblins in the morning." He will accompany anyone on other errands then he will return to the tavern to inquire about lodging in the town.
|
|
The tavernkeeper replies, "For lodging, the better choice if you ask me, is the Brightsmile Boarding House. Miranda will make you comfy and for a good price. And she'll feed you breakfast, which is a far cry better than you'll get from old Gort at the Sailor's Home. Some people have a problem with Miranda and her staff, but they're good folk."
"I blame it on the rain," Eristinian replies to Caelryl. "Even the sun is seeking shelter from the cold. I'll quickly nip into the alchemist's before turning in." If no one else has any other issues that concern him, Eristinian heads towards the alchemical supply shop.