D'ogryn and Soros
The two of you make your way to the barracks gates. Two young guards stand at watch and one of them waves you through as he recognizes you.
As you walk into the small courtyard there is wagon near the wall. No horses are attached to it but in the wagon covered by a canvas tarp appears to be bodies. You can tell because there are two pairs of boots and the top of what looks like a head but very distorted as if caved in or smashed in. The courtyard is empty and the stairs going up into the officer quarters is clear as is the hall going into the main barracks.
I guess we are late...Maybe they started without us.
D'ogryn looks at the bodies in the wagon.
These could be what made those stains.
He then turns and starts to walk to the area that they are to meet.
Brother Peran gives the guards a small smile in sympathy of their plight.
"That should give you an understanding of who we are, but we will also want to speak with the commander as well."
Naia’s face turns grave.
”What is happening in Saltmarsh?” she murmurs to no-one in particular.
"Something I would expect to see in the wilds, or even among my own" - Grond snarls, crouching down to study the dried blood pools - "Not in a 'civilized' town" - he adds - "This was a life and death fight, not a robbery or a scuffle between drunks. There is just too much blood"
D'ogryn and Soros
The two of you make your way to the barracks gates. Two young guards stand at watch and one of them waves you through as he recognizes you.
As you walk into the small courtyard there is wagon near the wall. No horses are attached to it but in the wagon covered by a canvas tarp appears to be bodies. You can tell because there are two pairs of boots and the top of what looks like a head but very distorted as if caved in or smashed in. The courtyard is empty and the stairs going up into the officer quarters is clear as is the hall going into the main barracks.
I guess we are late...Maybe they started without us.
D'ogryn looks at the bodies in the wagon.
These could be what made those stains.He then turns and starts to walk to the area that they are to meet.
Soros and seems to agree but he seems interested in the wagon and the bodies. As the two of you turn to walk into the barracks two Corporals walkout.
The tall blonde haired man of clear Oeridian descent with some Flan in him seems to be in a hurry. Rain, I will take four men and go to Black Dog and see if he is there. You go to Mick's and see if he is there. Where ever he went he will be looking to find a healer or someone that can stash him until he mends up.
The main with short black hair and clearly a woodsman of short nods his head. I will get over there. Olaf is already gone and is searching the docks and a few of the ships that might stash him as well.
The two cross your path and nod and the tall blonde one stops at the doorway of the barrack hall. I need four men, gear up, and make sure you grab crossbows and a bolt case. He nods...and seems to agree with the men that are going. Rain will need four more as well. Be quick!
Antas, Ferona, and Peran
The three of you are escorted to the barracks as you are being walked over to the building you see a pair of guards on a wagon pass you by. The two guards nod at the guards escorting you. With all the commotion several people are looking out the windows of the buildings to the left and right of you as you make your way down Hymns and turns up Merchant's Row.
You reach the Gaol and the Barracks next to it. The three of you are escorted into the main barracks area. A man walks in who is tall, stocky with broad shoulders and curly brown blonde hair. He has a long beard and tattoed arms. His right hand holding the hilt of this longsword as he talks to several other guards.
As you enter the barracks dining hall the guard closes the door behind you leaving the four of you alone.
I understand the three of you are working directly for the Town and the Church council on the murder of the young girl. His comment was direct. Commander Geolin as told me to inform you to return to your quarters at the Rest. I will have guards escort you back but you are to return to this place in the morning after the sun rises. He looks at Antas and can see he is wounded. Do you need a healer sir?
[dice=Perception]1d20 + 6
Naia’s face turns grave.
”What is happening in Saltmarsh?” she murmurs to no-one in particular.
Other than what was pointed out to you by Grond and Rabalar you can't see anything else of importance.
D'ogryn and Soros
The two of you make your way to the barracks gates. Two young guards stand at watch and one of them waves you through as he recognizes you.
As you walk into the small courtyard there is wagon near the wall. No horses are attached to it but in the wagon covered by a canvas tarp appears to be bodies. You can tell because there are two pairs of boots and the top of what looks like a head but very distorted as if caved in or smashed in. The courtyard is empty and the stairs going up into the officer quarters is clear as is the hall going into the main barracks.
I guess we are late...Maybe they started without us.
D'ogryn looks at the bodies in the wagon.
These could be what made those stains.He then turns and starts to walk to the area that they are to meet.
Soros and seems to agree but he seems interested in the wagon and the bodies. As the two of you turn to walk into the barracks two Corporals walkout.
The tall blonde haired man of clear Oeridian descent with some Flan in him seems to be in a hurry. Rain, I will take four men and go to Black Dog and see if he is there. You go to Mick's and see if he is there. Where ever he went he will be looking to find a healer or someone that can stash him until he mends up.
The main with short black hair and clearly a woodsman of short nods his head. I will get over there. Olaf is already gone and is searching the docks and a few of the ships that might stash him as well.
The two cross your path and nod and the tall blonde one stops at the doorway of the barrack hall. I need four men, gear up, and make sure you grab crossbows and a bolt case. He nods...and seems to agree with the men that are going. Rain will need four more as well. Be quick!
D'ogryn is slightly confused by these words.
He hopes that what his mind is unraveling is wrong on any level but he fears the worse.He keeps his face a mask of calm in the sea of anxiety that is his stomach. What is going on here.
Looking to Soros with uncertainty...
Who did you lose. Please for the love of Dalt...tell me you did not underestimate him.
Naia nods.
”Drunks fighting is...pretty standard Saltmarsh fare. Pitched battles and all-out blood-letting? Not so much. ”
Naia takes a last hard look at the scene, then turns and her eyes drift surely toward their destination.
”Let’s get to the barracks.”
Ferona nods briefly in reply to the commanders words. "Yes we shall return promptly on the sunrise. I fear there is more to this than a simple murderer."
Antas, Ferona, and Peran
The duty officer nods in agreement. I will send you with the two guards that escorted you here. I can leave one of them in the hall while you sleep. We are to short handed to leave both.
He walks over and opens the door and waves his hand and the two guards walk in to the room. Take them to their quarters...The Rest I believe? He turns to your group and Peran nods in agreement. Make sure they get to their room safely. One of you need to stay in the hall and watch their doors till morning and then escort them back to the barracks after sunrise.
Both of the young guards nod. Whatever this is we will sort it out in the morning. As he finishes you hear running down the hall. A young guard turns into the doorway and stops just short of running into the pair of guards.
The duty officer turns quickly. What is it! The young man looks at the three of you and then back to his sergeant. The tall man is having nothing of it. Well! What has you in a hurry man! He looks back at the duty officer. The prisoner sergeant...he is gone! He got out of his cell and out of the gaol! No one is harmed but he set fire to a few spots in the gaol. All of them have been put out...nothing big but enough to get everyone's attention.
The sergeant doesn't look pleased with the news. Wake up the rest of the men. I will wake the master of arms. The young man looks unsure of his instructions. The sergeant turns quickly to him. Go! Get them up! Get Corporal Rain up and let him know what is going on. Tell him we need to find the man's tracks if we can. The young man nods and leaves.
The sergeant turns to the pair of guards. Get them to their quarters and you get back here as soon as that is accomplished. You stay and make sure they get some rest and stay in quarters. Go! He turns to the three of you. I have to deal with this. We will see you in the morning!
Peran gives a curt nod and then, with his friends, follows the guards out of the barracks and to the Rest.
Antas, Ferona, Peran
The three of you arrive at the Rest. The entire common room is empty and someone lets you in as it is well past midnight.
Antas is clearly still hurting from the grevious wound that he received that should of killed him if it was not the quick thinking of Peran. All three of you are exhausted and clearly in need of rest.
Ferona places a hand on both Antas and Peran's arms and gives them a warm smile. "Thank you...thank you BOTH for saving my life. I shall see you both anon." She then retires to her room and crawls into her bed, the events of the evening weighing on her brain until sleep finally claims her.
Sitting Antas down on the edge of the cot, Peran calls upon his god-gifted healing to reverse all the damage the paladin had incurred.
"Well that should allow you to sleep without pain...if we can even sleep. I am sorry I did not warn you earlier about these thugs..."
Naia's Party
Arrives at the barracks. As they walk past the two guards at the gate and you walk into the courtyard you see a unhitched wagon to your right. The back is facing the entry. Inside is a canvas tarp and it appears to be covering several bodies...two to four from the looks of it. A guard is standing by it.
The barracks itself is not as lively as it normally is for the morning time.
D'ogryn and Soros
The two of you make your way to the barracks gates. Two young guards stand at watch and one of them waves you through as he recognizes you.
As you walk into the small courtyard there is wagon near the wall. No horses are attached to it but in the wagon covered by a canvas tarp appears to be bodies. You can tell because there are two pairs of boots and the top of what looks like a head but very distorted as if caved in or smashed in. The courtyard is empty and the stairs going up into the officer quarters is clear as is the hall going into the main barracks.
I guess we are late...Maybe they started without us.
D'ogryn looks at the bodies in the wagon.
These could be what made those stains.He then turns and starts to walk to the area that they are to meet.
Soros and seems to agree but he seems interested in the wagon and the bodies. As the two of you turn to walk into the barracks two Corporals walkout.
The tall blonde haired man of clear Oeridian descent with some Flan in him seems to be in a hurry. Rain, I will take four men and go to Black Dog and see if he is there. You go to Mick's and see if he is there. Where ever he went he will be looking to find a healer or someone that can stash him until he mends up.
The main with short black hair and clearly a woodsman of short nods his head. I will get over there. Olaf is already gone and is searching the docks and a few of the ships that might stash him as well.
The two cross your path and nod and the tall blonde one stops at the doorway of the barrack hall. I need four men, gear up, and make sure you grab crossbows and a bolt case. He nods...and seems to agree with the men that are going. Rain will need four more as well. Be quick!
D'ogryn is slightly confused by these words.
He hopes that what his mind is unraveling is wrong on any level but he fears the
...
The corporal called Rain looks at the two of you. He pauses and is clearly trying to figure out who you are but then it seems he realizes.
Sorry, I thought you were someone else. Soros, D'ogryn it is good to see you. I know Geolin was expecting you. He pauses as he turns and then turns back to you. That man you brought in...the assassin? He got out last night. Didn't hurt anyone but caused a commotion and managed to get over a wall and escape. We are looking for him but I doubt we will find him. He was a salt rat and those types if they don't want to be found...well you know.
Soros nods and replies. It is good to hear you didn't lose anyone but that man is dangerous. He was hurt so hopefully that slows him down. Rain gives a nod but doesn't seem to agree. He was but they mended him up a enough to keep him alive...apparently they underestimated him.
Naia pauses to peruse the bodies.
Naia pauses to peruse the bodies.
Naia stops and walks over to the wagon and lifts the tarp...
There are three bodies are in gruesome condition. One has its entire head and shoulders caved in from the top with a part of its upper torso caved in. The other body has the left side of his head and shoulder caved in from the side. The last one has his right hip smashed in ward and it is clearly broken. The left side of his rib cage is also caved in. All three appear to have been attacked with something blunt and powerful.
All three appear to be sailors...tattoos and appearance seems to imply that.
You don't recognize any of them but a part of you feels sorry for them. Whatever or whoever they ran into put up a fight.
D'ogryn remains silent as the story is being told. His face is stone as he hides his anger.
at the conclusion of the story...the damn breaks and the emotions come forth.
What the fu...
Catching his words and calming himself, D'ogryn tries again.
Try away from the waters...inland. If you think he is a salt rat then he might try to avoid the obvious.
”Bleah. They got well and truly smashed. Poor bastards.” Naia murmurs.
Grond approaches Naia and the bodies.
Seeing the blood Narciso frowns and shakes his head. "Several killed. Strange that no alarm was sounded. Or maybe we just didn't hear it?"
Narciso approaches the guard, "Were these from the fight over that way? And do you have any of the others that were involved?" [ooc]pointing since I'm not sure how to describe the spot other than on the road. ??
Grond approaches Naia and the bodies.
[dice=Heal (Untrained)?]d20
Grond seems to stop and examine the wounds as he stands by Naia. To Grond as he looks at the dead men...sailors or seamen from the looks of it. He sees that cobblestone street and the buildings surrounding it and in his mind he puts each body in those locations and he can see that these men are the men that lay in those pools of blood. As he walks through these images he realizes whoever did this was very powerful... At least as powerful as an ogre or a large orc and was well versed in their weapon.
Seeing the blood Narciso frowns and shakes his head. "Several killed. Strange that no alarm was sounded. Or maybe we just didn't hear it?"
Narciso approaches the guard, "Were these from the fight over that way? And do you have any of the others that were involved?" [ooc]pointing since I'm not sure how to describe the spot other than on the road. ??
Edan
Looking around the street and the buildings he turns to Narciso. The bodies are gone so someone removed them and dealt with the aftermath of it.
D'ogryn remains silent as the story is being told. His face is stone as he hides his anger.
** spoiler omitted **at the conclusion of the story...the damn breaks and the emotions come forth.
What the fu...
Catching his words and calming himself, D'ogryn tries again.
Try away from the waters...inland. If you think he is a salt rat then he might try to avoid the obvious.
The men nod and thank D'ogryn and seem to understand his frustration.
D'ogryn and Soros move into the Barracks hall which is empty. There is boards of bread, cheese, butter, and jams on the center table and a platter of sausages. There are also two pitchers and several cups on the table. This seems to be the leftovers of the guard's morning meal.
Grond seems to stop and examine the wounds as he stands by Naia. To Grond as he looks at the dead men...sailors or seamen from the looks of it. He sees that cobblestone street and the buildings surrounding it and in his mind he puts each body in those locations and he can see that these men are the men that lay in those pools of blood. As he walks through these images he realizes whoever did this was very powerful... At least as powerful as an ogre or a large orc and was well versed in their weapon.
"These are definitely the corpses murdered outside - they were hit hard by someone or something very strong" - Grond comments - "Though that much is obvious I guess. I have seen ogres doing this kind of damage, but I doubt one would be around town"
Ferona groggily stirs from her uneasy slumber and sits up in the soft cushions of her bed. Rubbing her eyes from the sleep she glances towards the window and estimates dawn was still a little ways off.
For a moment she feels the urge to bury herself in the sheets but instead softly sighs.
I fear this will be yet another long day...The murder of those sailors will cause an uproar and must be confronted, and not shirked from...
Rising to her feet she climbs out of bed and calls upon a minor spell to refresh her clothes as is her wont. Sighing at the faint spots of blood still visible on her cloak she waves it off irritably.
Nothing to be done about it for now!
She moves to the wash sink where she examines herself in the mirror, seeing the pallor in her skin. She sets out to scrub her face clean, and washes her hair in the cold water, shivering as the chills permeate her blood.
I wish I could enjoy a hot bath, but no time for that now.
Drying herself off she moves to the desk and peruses her precious spellbook recommitting the arcane patterns to unlock the dweomers back into her memory. Nodding in satisfaction she makes sure to secure her gear before dressing into her customary outfit.
As dawn is beginning to break she emerges to greet her two companions. "Good morning. I hope you both slept well?"
|
Once more Antas wakes and rides thankful he and his friends are safe he says deep prayers to his God in thanks and then does his morning stretch and finally cleans all his gear from top to bottom making sure he missed nothing before once more joining his companions good morn as well my friends, shall we break our fast? I myself am starving!
Naia nods, looking at Grond thoughtfully.
Ogres...
”C’mon, let’s head inside...
Peran wakes and, still lying in bed, runs over last night's events. He finally gets up and dresses. Opening his book of prayers, he takes time to pray and reflect on his part in the world, and what plans St. Cuthbert has in store for him.
Once finished, he heads downstairs and greets his friends.
"AH yes, breakfast is most welcome. I hope you both slept well...Antas I hope your wounds did not bother you any?"
Entering the empty hall, D'ogryn remains quiet.
He walks in silence to the breakfast table and looks at what is left over. The young cook picks up a knife that was used to cut bread. Rolling in around his hand a few times. He judges the balance as poor. He quietly turns around, tossing the knife in the air a few times. No words are spoken as he throws the knife across the room and into the seat of a wooden chair. He keeps his face a mask of nothingness but those that know him...know he is very angry right now.
D'ogryn walks across the room and stares at the still quivering knife. He pulls the utensil out of the chair with very little care for the damage it would do to the furniture and walks back to the breakfast table. Tossing the knife back on to the table, he scans the food. Picking up a sausage link, he takes a bite and spits it out.
Piss poor utensils and now s*+%ty food. Now wonder these guards can not do their jobs.
He gives a glance to Soros.
Remind me to talk the city about changing their meal plan.
Soros
Soros comes over and pours a tankard of apple cider and grabs some bread and sausages. He sits down and takes a drink and starts to eat.
"Looks around. The barracks are empty. When was the last time you saw the watch stretched this thin? I don't recall it ever like this and it appears there is something else going on." He points to the courtyard. "Nice throw."
Naia's Party
The five of you make your way inside the barracks hall to see D'ogryn and Soros sitting a table eating and drinking. The table next to them has a platter of bread, cheese, butter, and jams. Another platter of sausages and two pitchers.
Soros sees you walk in and seems to smile and waves you to the table as he stands. He is in an immensely better mood then he was last night. "Naia, Rab, Edan come break your fast with us! Grond, Narciso, it is good to see you. The sausages are good and they have fresh cider and milk."
Grond approaches Soros - "Well met again" - he greets him with a nod - "Already had first breakfast at Naia's home thank you, but will not say no to some cider" - he adds, looking around for any hint if this is free food, or...
Ferona manages a smile at her wo companions yet clearly the previous nights events weigh upon her. "I am also quite hungry yet I fear we dare not tarry here. Let us see if we can get some food to take with us on the way."
Antas, Ferona, and Peran
The three of you make your way down the stairs. The main hall room is pretty empty and for a few lone servers and the barkeep cleaning and preparing for the day there is no one else in the hall.
Ferona slides over to the barkeep and asks if there is a way to get a quick bit to eat. He manages to go to the back and pull away a basket of warm muffins and a tin of fresh butter. The barkeep tells her it will be three silver and if she could bring back the basket. They smell delicious and she can see that they have cinnamon crumbs all over them and are drizzled with honey.
Ferona eagerly accepts the pair of muffins and quickly returns the basket back to the barkeep. Once she has returned to the table she proceeds to slather both muffins with a healthy dollop of butter and scarfs them down in a most unladylike fashion!
Once the muffins have been devoured she wipes her face off with a damp cloth, "I suppose we should head out for the barracks now." She adds in a low voice. Feeling uneasy she glances around to see if anyone else is about.
Peran also finishes his muffins quickly...brushing off the crumbs clinging to his tabard. Dressed again in his suit of armour, including his shield and truncheon, he seems more ready for battle than a meeting.
"Aye, let's be off to the barracks and try to figure out who is pulling the strings in this town!"
Still a bit under the weather of her own making, Naia greens a little at the mention of sausages.
”Soros!” she manages despite that, giving the caster a warm hug.
Naia favors D’og with an equally warm smile, and grips his shoulder companionably. ”We missed you last night, D’og. You should come over more - forget what I said, or what you think I meant - while you’re here you’re just as much Saltmarsh as any other villager.”
The Temlow woman looks around meaningfully. ”What news of Thout, or Pis...the prisoner?”
Narciso barely glances at the wounds when Grond mentions an ogre. As they head into the barracks he mutters mostly to himself, "Big and strong but not necessarily an ogre. Someone trained and using power from a rage might do similar. And they wouldn't be so obvious as an ogre. Might even be capable of some stealth. Hmm...."
Joining D'ogryn and Soros right behind Grond he grins and accepts some cider, and a sausage. "Never say 'No' to good sausage. Don't always know when the next meal will come along. And my cooking's barely edible!" He takes a bite of sausage and tries to chew quietly enough to hear the answer to Naia's question.
Ferona eagerly accepts the pair of muffins and quickly returns the basket back to the barkeep. Once she has returned to the table she proceeds to slather both muffins with a healthy dollop of butter and scarfs them down in a most unladylike fashion!
Once the muffins have been devoured she wipes her face off with a damp cloth, "I suppose we should head out for the barracks now." She adds in a low voice. Feeling uneasy she glances around to see if anyone else is about.
[dice=Perception]1d20+1
THe room is empty except for a boy cleaning up the fireplace, who you recognize, and the barkeep and a kitchen maid. You recognize them all and they seem to be completely engrossed in their work.
Antas nods and stands and dusts offthe left overs of the muffins with a sheepish smile saying aye let's go and Antas will open the door for his friends
The three of you make your way to out the Rest and head north to the Marketplace. You hit the crossed road where you were ambushed and you see what remains after the guards cleaned and took the bodies. It is a mess still with three places where pools of blood have dried in the cracks and crevices. Antas can see the spatter stains on the sides of the buildings as well.
All three of you feel fortunate that you survived what was clearly an ambush and a threat on your lives.
Still a bit under the weather of her own making, Naia greens a little at the mention of sausages.
”Soros!” she manages despite that, giving the caster a warm hug.
Naia favors D’og with an equally warm smile, and grips his shoulder companionably. ”We missed you last night, D’og. You should come over more - forget what I said, or what you think I meant - while you’re here you’re just as much Saltmarsh as any other villager.”
The Temlow woman looks around meaningfully. ”What news of Thout, or Pis...the prisoner?”
Soros
Soros smiles as he finishes his fourth sausage and second mug of cider. He wipes his hands carefully on his robes below his belt and hugs her and smiles. "It is good to see you Naia! All of you! I have to apologize about last night. Those critters nearly did me in...I was in a horrible way but thanks to Edan and Narciso I feel much better! Much better!"
Ferona unconsciously slows her pace as she walks by the spot where the ambush took place...
Edan
Edan smiles and walks in grabbing a mug of fresh milk and drinks it down. "It is good to see the both of you! Soros you like a lot better. Eating is a good sign and that is probably the most I have seen you eat since I have known you! He laughs. "D'ogryn you look flustered! Why the sour look my friend!"