Welcome All... to your doom
The young dark half-elf, looks out onto the city as the sun sits. He knows that tomorrow he will start on a journey that will take him years to complete. Hopefully he will find something worth while to do. He closes the window and turns to his table. His beloved Matilda is laying there, stripped bare and ready to be cleaned. He picks up her wooden handle and starts to reassemble her. She is also ready for the journey.
It’s early in the morning and the sun has not even kissed the walls of the garrison and yet, you can hear the clash of swords outside. This garrison, Doomguard has held the creatures of the Wild-lands at bay for decades. . . But now the attacks on the garrison are becoming more and more frequent. It’s as some force is driving the creatures into a frenzy. The scouts talk of giant monsters, the likes of which they never seen, raising out of the depths of the Wild-lands. Fear is starting to take root. These are dangerous times to be a Wildheart. . .
You all have been summoned by Sir Ignoral, the commander and leader of Doomguard. The doors of the war room open and you can’t help to feel excited! As a Wildheart, battle is all you live for and to be summoned by Ignoral can only mean that something glorious is about to happen. As you walk in you notice an inscription starting to glow around the door and it reads.
Born in combat, bound to each brother. Fear will never tear, this Wildheart apart.
Sir Ignoral is looking out over the vast, empty Wild-land from the balcony of the war room. As you enter he turns and walks back in.
Sir Ignoral "It’s about time!! I summoned you all half a moon ago and now you come strolling in like a bunch of dwarfs. I can Shit faster than you all walk!" He slams his hand down on the table causing the wine to fall over and spill. "Well it’s not my concern anymore I guess. King Urrel has ask me to send him a group of the best Wildhearts I got. Why, I do not know… Well the best I got are too busy protecting his bored from the Wild-lands so he can sleep in peace at night. So, I am sending you all instead and maybe you can do something useful for a change. Now, go check your gear and ready your self’s. It a long walk to Avandoom and the messenger will be accompanying you back. Any question??"
The tall elf walks through the doors confidently, ready for whatever Ignoral has planned. When the captain slams his hands down in anger, he flinches, looking at the others and wondering if his half-orc companions are more used to anger than he is. Then he speaks.
I'd like to apologize for our slow movement, and while that may have been my fault I can assure you that we came with all due haste. I wonder if you know quite what the king has planned for us? It would help if we had better knowledge so that we could prepare more adequately, I've certainly solved a few problems because of proper planning.
He folds his arms and looks inquisitive at the commander.
The dark half-elf looks at Sir Ignoral, "Only one boss." he points towards the messenger "Does he know how to fight, or do we need to protect him?"
It had been a little more than a month since John had met Sir Ignoral and in that time he had grown to both fear and appreciate the man. It had been at a tavern somewhere between Avandoom and Doomgate where he had persuaded John to join his cause. What exactly that meant John was still uncertain but whatever it was it had to beat being broke and hungover, which is how Sir Ignoral had found him face down in the stables. Now he at least had coin though he was roused far to early to the war room and consequently was nursing a hangover.
He takes a swig from his hip flask and listens to the conversation going on around him.
Not a bad question from the half elf, hopefully this messenger isn't just a damsel in disguise.
"Exactly how many days walk is it to Avandoom, would hate to run out of drink halfway there?"
Sir Ignoral "You would think with those big elf ears of your Variel, you would have heard me say I do not know. Let me say is slower... I .. do .. not .. know. Why don't you ask the damn goblin your self when you meet up with him later. You both seem to have the same amount of intelligents so maybe you two will be able to understand each other. As for as his safety goes."
Ignoral stops to think. He picks up the now empty wine glass off the table and give it a disappointing look.
"Let him do as he wishes. The Wildhearts are not babysitters. If he loses a arm, its his own damn fault. . . But he is the kings personal messenger, so don't let him die Garrik"
Ignoral's tone and expressions have been full of anger and rage but that all seem to fade for a second when his gaze shifted to John.
"Its about a weeks travel, sober, to Avandoom from here by foot."
Variel looks hurt for a moment, then pauses, scowling. I'll not have to talk to him again...if only someone who knew more were in charge... He takes a small step back, watching the captain. When Ignoral looks at John Variel observes the change in demeanor I wonder what he did to deserve that?
Variel then looks at the small, speckled thrush on his shoulder, cocks his head at it, and looks back at the captain So I suppose that means there'll be no horses then? I mean, one would think a mission important enough for a group of skilled wildhearts, with a messenger of the king, would require some haste. Variel's words are not apparently confrontational, as though he's stating facts. And let's not forget that you yourself mentioned we're not exactly the speediest of groups...
the bird rustles slightly, and when he looks back it speaks in a soft voice of its own Be quiet.
And Variel is quiet.
Marcus stands sharply at attention as they appear before the commander. He dislikes the man somewhat, finding his thinly veiled opinion of the king less than endearing, but commanding officers are
He stays mostly silent, but can't help but interject at Variel's commentary.
"Come now,master elf, let's not antagonise the commander, yeah?"
Hedrak just stays silent in the back as the others exchange 'pleasantries', but can't help to chuckle at the captain's rage and the way he always seems so frustrated.
He expected the elf to actually stay silent after the last rebuttal, but it seemed like that wasn't about to happen, so he just shook his head and took a step forward, his scale mail scraping just a tad - "I am Hedrak" - he introduced himself to the others.
"Do we have reasons to believe anyone is specifically out to get the messenger?"
Sir Ignoral turns and faces Variel ” A baby dwarf could problem craw to Avandoom in about 3 days. I hope you all can make it there in a week. Besides, this will help you get in shape” his eyes glance over to Hedrak. “Krumsh is right, it’s time to go! Glee-glee is waiting for you at the gate. Now get lost!!!” Sir Ignoral turns and walks back out onto the balcony of the war room. From the balcony you hear Sir ignoral say ” Best watch you pockets around Glee-glee”
The sun has just started to show its self by the time you leave to war room. As you make your way down to main gate to meet up with the messenger Glee-glee, you can’t help to wonder what the king has in stored for you. Once you arrive at the gate you notice 7 horses, one of which has a small goblin on it. The goblin turns to face you all and his face lights up with excitement. With one swift motion that almost too fast to be nature, the goblin roll off the back of the horse and dashed over to your parry.
” WELCOME, I am Glee-glee” with his hand extended he shake the 1st hand he gets to but make sure to avoid the half-orc.
1= Garrik R.T. Outwoods
2= Krumsh Arrinok
3= Variel the Talented
4= John Logger
5= Marcus Redcleave
” I will be your guide and protector on our way to see the king! Are we all ready to go ??” as he turns and points to the horses, Glee-glee take a swig from a flash that he seem to pull out of mid air.
Variel is tall, well over six feet, and does not reach down to the small goblin, letting one of his companions take the lead instead. He then asks I only have two days food, will there be a town along the way where I can buy more? And I should also like to ask if you know anything about why we've been summoned. Do you?
The bird on his shoulder flies to the horses and looks them over, perhaps pecking at flies as it does this.
Thank you kindly, I can repay you if you like Variel glances at the goblin pickpocket, a small frown appearing on his face. Then he reaches into his pack and pulls out a purse, proffering it to Marcus
4 GP, 4 SP, 2 CP
"Nah, couldn't accept that. It's just some rations." Marcus waves the purse away.
"You can buy me a pint once we've made it there though, if you feel there's something to be settled. Fair?"
Fair as can be. The elf nods at Marcus and places the purse in his pack, making sure it ends up in the bottom. He looks back at the goblin I wonder if he knows anything we don't.
"I am Hedrak" - the half orc replies to the goblin - "Ready to go" - he adds flatly.
"A pleasure to meet you Glee-glee,"John says clasping the goblins hand but careful not to squeeze to hard. "I am John Logger and I guess we will be accompanying you to Avandoom, though I think we may be protecting you." He says with a smile patting his ax.
Seeing the goblin produce the flask he wonders where it came from.
"Glee-glee can fight!!!" Glee-glee jumps back and pulls out a fish the size of a short sword and starts to swing it around.
1= Garrik R.T. Outwoods
2= Krumsh Arrinok
3= Variel the Talented
4= John Logger
5= Marcus Redcleave
6= Hedrak
"Opps...Glee-glee is ready too! Must not wait to long to leave. Horses owner come soon and Glee-glee no like walking.." Glee-glee turns and faces Variel "I do know why king calls Wildhearts, I am glee-glee. Goblins are smart." and with a smile he turns away and walks back to his horse."No towns on road to Avandoom. But we can make camp on way back and sing and dance and play and .... no no no Glee-glee. King said no play..."
Glee-glee signals that its time to go and you all mount the horses and set off. You ride for the whole day and pass the time by telling story of bravery and cunning. Glee-glee chimes in about a how he once put a fish in the king bed. Dusk starts to roll around and Glee-glee stops
"We make camp here tonight." Glee-glee jumps down and ties his horse to a tree that right off the road."We make it to Avandoom in 2 more days" You all follow his lead and tie up the horses and start setting up camp. The night sky starts to shine bright with starts and there not a cloud in sight.
Garrik looks around at the camping site, "Well, we could have been in a lot worse places." he looks around "Think that there is any easy gain to hunt around here?"
Variel is alarmed when the fish slips out of Glee-glee's hand, flinching slightly and glancing to make sure that Hedrak is okay. If he has been hit by significant amounts of dirty fish grease, Variel casts prestidigitation to clean it away.
His eye twitches slightly when the goblin is not forthcoming about the king's purpose in summoning them, and Variel seems more worried about this than about the fact that the horses are apparently stolen. He does not, however, pursue the question further, instead following his bird to the horses, mounting with some grace, though he is not an experienced rider. I wonder what he means by play....
When they finally set camp, Variel unfolds his bedroll and looks around for a nice soft spot. I suppose you could hunt if you'd like, so long as you don't spook the horses too badly. He then adds We've got plenty of food anyhow, so there's no need for it.
Variel waits a bit for the others to set up. Right, we should probably set a watch. I need 8 hours of rest in order to prepare my spells normally tomorrow...though I suppose my familiar could be awake for a few hours in my place. He looks around at the others Maybe we should draw straws to see who goes first?
Garrik looks up at the tree the horses are tied to. "The first watch should go to someone who can see in low light, the fire will be burning for a while and give off a little bit of lite. The second watch might be in darkness, so I'll take that one, since i can see."
By my count each watch should be an hour and thirty six minutes, though with me sleeping it's two hours instead. The moon and stars should help some, but you're right, Marcus or John should probably go first and last so they can get the fire and the sunrise. Variel looks around at them, I hope they don't miss those twenty four minutes too much.
When they arrive at the site where they plan to spend the night John walks to a tall tree and puts his bags and bedroll down beneath it. Fishing out his whetstone he begins to hone his ax. After a while he gets up and walks over to where Gree-gree is standing.
"Now mister Gree," he says leaning in and speaking low as to not be heard by the others, "It seems that my flask has vanished and the one that you have been drinking out of looks very familiar. Now I am not accusing you of anything but it would be a shame if i was unable to find it. I get very angry when I lose things." He says with a hint of a snarl as he cleans under his nail with one of his hatchets.
"But if it where to somehow appear in my saddle bag tomorrow then maybe you and I could drink to my good fortune. Do we understand each other?"
Walking to his pack John Logger addresses the rest of the group. "I will take first watch, if it right by the rest of you. I tend to be a tad cranky in the mornings." He proclaims with a hint of a smile and an almost imperceptible eye flick in Gree-gree's direction.
after eating, Gerrik lays down, back towards the fire. "Wake me when you're tired." he says as he falls asleep.
Variel looks around, making sure that he's close to the centre of camp, perhaps moving from his soft spot, before settling in for the night. A small bird stands by the fire, awake, for a while longer, looking around to see who's going to sleep straight away.
** spoiler omitted **
"Glee-glee can fight!!!" Glee-glee jumps back and pulls out a fish the size of a short sword and starts to swing it around.
"Opps...Glee-glee is ready too! Must not wait to long to leave. Horses owner come soon and Glee-glee no like walking.." Glee-glee turns and faces Variel "I do know why king calls Wildhearts, I am glee-glee. Goblins are smart." and with a smile he turns away and walks back to his horse."No towns on road to Avandoom. But we can make camp on way back and sing and dance and play and .... no no no Glee-glee. King said no play..."
"All fine and dandy, just no more fish swinging" - Hedrak growls, cleaning his face, and kicking the fish away.
"I can take one of the middle watches, orc eyes see well enough in darkness" - he pipes in, going through his pack to take out some salted meat and dry bread - "This should do it" - he seems pleased munching through it all.
|
Krumsh contains his laughter at the goblin exhibition.
During the march he studies the land they travel through, pondering its plants and wildlife.
As the rest choose their watches he places his bedroll. "I'll take watch after Hadruk... but now it's time to hunt."
The savage half-orc vanishes with his allosaurus, looking for prey.
"I wouldn't mind taking first watch - I need to be up at sundown for my meditation hour regardless." Marcus is one of those priests that prepares his spells at dusk.
"Good hunting. I'll have water boiling for when you get back," he tells Krumsh as the half-orc heads off into the forrest, then digs through his pack, producing an iron pot to hang over the campfire. He leans over the pot, and places his hands on the sides, murmuring a prayer.
When he withdraws, the pot is sloshing with water.
Glee-glee turns and looks at Variel ” Variel knows magic?? Glee-Glee does too! Watch!!” Glee-glee pulls out a rope with a bunch of knots in it. He start weaving more knots and chanting. Then, all of a sudden he lets out a loud yell and hold the rope up above his head, between both hands. A minute goes by and nothing happens. ” Awwwwww… to many… Glee-Glee puts the rope away disappointedly when he see John walking over.
Johns little talk with Glee-glee seem to have gotten him a little nervous. Glee-glee reaches around his back and drops the flask... “Glee-glee know not about flask. But Glee-glee will help find” with a nervous smile he nods at John.
During all this, Krumsh wanders off into the woods behind the camp. His absence only last 30 minutes before a loud cry is heard. The sound of some beast meeting its end echoes through the camp. Within minutes, Krumsh appears out of the darkness with a rather large boar in tow. Glee-glee is amazed at the size of the boar, it’s as big as him. He walks over to the beast and give it a swift kick. Satisfied that its dead he turns and goes back to his mischief.
1= Garrik R.T. Outwoods
2= Krumsh Arrinok
3= Variel the Talented
4= John Logger
5= Marcus Redcleave
6= Hedrak
With boar roasting and food/water a plenty, everyone digs in. ” Glee-glee want wine.” turning to look at Marcus ” you make wine too? “After the meal, you all settle in and take watch.
As Glee-glee begins knotting the rope Variel looks closely, then mutters a few arcane words and waves his hands in a strange pattern.
Variel eats a small amount of meat, quietly, before going to bed.
Right before falling asleep, Variel calls his bird over, whispering to it. It hops away, comes back, whispers more, then flies off. An hour later it returns.
After about an hour, once everyone has gone to sleep, a small bird approaches you, then hops up onto your shoulder. It whispers in your ear That goblin has some extremely powerful magic. It may be a god in disguise. It may just be the knotted rope he has. You may wish to investigate further. The bird sits and looks at you, not sure how you will react.
He then produces a biscuit from his pack, and crumbles it up to offer the bird.
The bird munches down some crumbs, thank you it says, before flying off to sleep in Variel's pack.
Hedrak snores.
Garrik, well use to the Hal-orc's snoring, tosses his bunched up cloak at him.
*grumbles, grumbles and turns to the side*
The night passed peacefully as you each take turns on watch with the exception of Glee-glee talking in his sleep. The night sky is filled with stars shining bright. As the night starts to fade on Krumsh Arrinok something stirs in the bush.
"Lets kill them all. I am sure they have some worth a few gold." Krumsh is alerted to the sounds of humans speaking and yells for everyone to rise!
As the grass springs up around the bandits feet they try to avoid getting caught.
Marcus readies his shield, and scrambles to his feet.
"For Siala!", he bellows at the top of his lungs, running towards the enemy, making sure to put himself at some distance from the group.
He holds up his holy symbol, and a wave of power erupts from it, sapping strength and causing blood to burst forth in whoever it touches.
Without hesitation John grabs the hatchets that are laying next to his head, stands and hurls one in the direction of one the nearest bandits.
"Blast,"John curses wishing he had taken more careful aim.
Johns hatchet flies in the bush that the bandit is behind and misses him completely.
Hedrak grumbles out of his sleep, rolling to the side and picking up his weapon and shield as he stands up - "What is going on?!" - he growls, ready for any incoming attacks.