Things had gotten hot in Brindol. It was time to make yourself scarce until the heat died down. The job was supposed to be simple with a big pay out, but things did not work out that way. There was no treasure on the carriage… just a map… several guards ended up dead and the crew scattered into their hiding holes. You would have delivered the map to your patron, but a contact warned you away. The failure had been put on your head… the city guard and the boss was looking for you.
It was time to seek some fortunate elsewhere and the map suggested the location of a hidden vault containing a great treasure in the old Vraath Keep in the Witchwood. It was far enough away that you could even just make up a living in Drellin’s Ferry, a small town on the river near enough to the Witchwood, while you scouted out the keep.
In the village of Witchcross just at the ford of the Witchstream, the ostensibly governing body of elders make no descisions without consulting a circle of Witchwood druids known as the Keepers of Eth.
Adranna the Young, the Eth Speaker, has been plagued with nightmares of recent that has drawn her attention far away from Witchcross. She has spoken with the circle of Druids at length about these nightmares… omens of coming doom she calls them. She has related this powerful vision of war descending on Elsir Vale under the banner of a clawed red hand to the circle.
Many of the eldest druids are unmoved by these visions and argue that they are not the concern of the natural world. War comes and goes… governments change… the circle has endured.
Adranna the Young, Speaker of the Eth, is not convinced by their arguments. She has called upon the druid, Kristophe, to travel to Drellin’s Ferry to avert the foreseen disaster. Assigned to help and protect the druid is a member of the Witchwood rangers that serve the Circle of Eth, Alaric Morguhn.
Lord Jarmaath of Brindol has heard rumors from travelers that the goblin and hobgoblin tribes have banded together under a charismatic warlord. This has caused some concern for Jarmaath so he has quietly hired the wizard Alistair (a man that enjoys a good mystery) to investigate the validity of these rumors. Along with the Wizard the noble has tasked one of his allies with providing support for the Wizard upon the road. This protection comes in the form of the dwarven noble and fighter, Brokr Stonegullet, of Hammerfist Holds.
Lord Jarmaath has instructed you to bring proof to validate these rumors back to Brindol with all haste.
Well met Alaric Morghun. The Speaker praised your strength of arms last we spoke.
You do not spend more time in Brindol than you have too given that you once satirized noble whom is not want to forget the insult. You found the road to be a lonely place and have taken up with a small team of entertainers.
Another storyteller and magician, the beautiful (and tantalizing as she would make the crowd believe) Miha Serani.
The halfling rogue and confidant, able to swindle just about everyone into believing his games, Kellin Shadowbanks.
And finally the less than intelligent, but intimidating "monster" of the group whom breaths fire, the red-scaled Dragonborn, Dracon.
It will be the start of a tour from Drellin's Ferry up the Dawn Way to end in Dennovar.
Well met Alaric Morghun. The Speaker praised your strength of arms last we spoke.
"And to you, Kristophe. I can only hope to meet her, and your, expectations."
Alaric caresses the unstrung longbow he carries, as if emphasizing its craftsmanship.
"This bow has gotten me out of trouble many times. She will extend you the same courtesy, my friend" he says, smiling broadly.
The afternoon sun beats down on you; the air is hot and still. The sparsely settled lands of Elsir Vale along the Dawn Way to the west of Brindol are starting to grow monotonous, with seemingly endless line of dusty flyspecks of towns. The town of Drellin's Ferry lies miles ahead of you; named after the ferry that carries travelers across the river. It was the destination of choice for the groups of travelers that found themselves sharing the road.
In additional to the strangers and not-so-strangers is a trio of entertainers. A stunning and alluring sorceress, Miha Serani. The halfling confidant and gamesman, Kellin Shadowbanks. Lastly the intimidating but seemingly slow-witted dragonborn, "Dracon".
dot!
Rolen trots easily to catch up to the group of travelers heading towards Drellin's Ferry along the Dawn Way. He approaches the quite attractive woman with some degree of elven heritage, Endia. He smiles broadly.
Mind if I share the walk with you? I am Rolen Philandril. What do they call you, maiden?
Rolen carries a Long Bow with a quiver on his back. A rapier is sheathed on his left hip and a dagger on his right.
Endia is absent-mindedly strumming her lute while, looking off to into the countryside while casually walking behind her three traveling mates.
"Hmm..."
Endia turns her looks at the stranger who just approached her with a look of puzzlement, "Now who...err did you say your called Rolan?"
Endia takes a better look at 'Rolan' and looks to see if anyone else if close to them. Seeing no immediately alarming circumstances Endia responds with a smile, "Why yes, it does seem like lovely afternoon for a walk." What brings you out into this sleepy stretch of nowhere towns? Oh, yes my manners, excuse me. My name is Endia.
Good day to you, Endia. I am heading to Drellin's Ferry. And you?
"Aww, yes my three companions and I intend to start our next tour out from Drellin's Ferry," she motions ahead of her to the lady, halfling, and dragonborn.
"Are visting Ferry for business or pleasure, I can't decide based on your attire. It seems...interesting to say the least."
Quite an interesting troupe. I am heading to town for a new surrounding and any potential business I can drum up. What is so awkward about my attire? Is it the dark tone or the elven cloak that is throwing you off? I fit in quite well in the city of Brindol for years.
Brokr walks with his polearm over his shoulder, eyes on the countryside rather than on the road. "I'll let you 'andle the chit-chat, Alist'r."
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The wizard looks over at his companion and nods.
"Probably best. We will keep our task to oourselves for the time being."
Alistair moves up to the performers walking just in front of him and Brokr.
"Greetings friends. A fine day for travel. Are you all traveling to Drullin's Ferry?"
Rolen turns and looks at the man, then glances over his shoulder at the Dwarf trudging along behind him.
Why, yes, we are. Well met. I am Rolen Philandril. I did not catch your name?
Brokr eyes the elf for a moment before returning his watchful gaze to the countryside. "Name's Brokr Stonegullet, of the Hammerfist Holds. Where're you from, Elf?"
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I am Kristoph, of the Elisir Circle. It is my pleasure to meet you. the human druid says diplomatically
Looking back at his supposedly silent partner, Alistair shakes his head.
"I am Alistair Orm. A pleasure to make your acquaintance."
A pleasure, Kristoph...Alistair...and Brokr.
He eyes the dwarf.
I am from the woods about, but most recently, Brindol, Dwarf.
Brokr nods absentmindedly at the elf, still keeping his eye on the roadside.
The Dragonborn eyes the other suspiciously and looks to the other performers for his cue. "Dracon, smash?" He asks in a slow and guttural voice.
The Halfling shakes his head, "No, Drac." He grins with utmost confidence as if he had known the additional people on the road for years, "We are all friends here, right friends?" He asks with a calculating eye on the outsiders. He gestures to Alistair, "We are traveling to Drellin's Ferry. Putting on a couple shows and moving back up the road on tour until we reach Dennovar." He pats a hand against the Dragonborn's arm, "Drac is here to dissuade any rough types from interfering with that. I am Kellin Shadowbanks, and this is Dracon, or as I prefer Drac."
The alluring woman seems to ignore most of the conversation behind her until Kellin finishes. "Miha Serani." He says in a voice as sweet as her look. "Weaver of stories, fortunes, and magics." She offers with a mysterious air in kind with Kellin's introduction though she offers no glance backwards to the other people on the road.
Rolen bows at the waist with a flourish of his hand.
Well met, mi'lady.
Brokr slowly nods at the additional introductions. "You may call me a friend, I suppose. For at least as long as we travel this road."
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Alistair looks at the woman critically and shrugs.
"A conjurer of parlor trick, I take it? Useful in your line of work, I suppose."
"If you wish." The woman says in response to Alistair's comment. "People prefer the illusion of magic to the real thing. It is safe... it is a taste of the fantastical without the danger. Don't you think it is better to be loved than feared?" The woman says with the alluring sway of her hips as she turned to Alistair for the first time. The piercing blue eyes taking him in near as critically before she smiles. "But then I know nothing about the affairs of Wizards; I am just a conjurer of parlor tricks."
Kristophe stays silent as the two arcane magic users trade barbs. He has learned in his role as a mediator to listen first, and listen often.
Brokr smirks and bites his tongue.
The wizard stops in the middle of the path, staring at the young woman with a most perplexed look on his face.
"Safe..SAFE! Magic is not safe, young lady. It is POWER! In the wrong hands it can topple empires, crush religions and rewrite history. Safe...pfffth."
Looking over at his dwarven traveling companion he frowns.
"And that is quite enough from you! We are on an important mission, not cavorting with entertainers!"
Alaric joins the others, quietly observing them as they walk. He occasionally glances to either side of the road, listening to the conversations with some interest.
The moment after Alistair began his rant about magic the woman smiled and tapped her nose. "Right on the nose, darling. You have made my point quite well. Wizards are feared for their powers and I am loved for my parlor tricks. Useful in my line of work." The woman turned her attention from Alistair.
"Why do you have to goad the man, Miha?" The halfling groaned as he came to the side of Alistair, "She isn't fond of being called a fake and takes every opportunity as you can see to needle her words at a man brave enough to do so. Otherwise... she is as sweet as she is mysterious!" He whistled at Miha who offered a sway of her hips in response. "So important mission, you say... are you coming from Brindol? Is it something that we should know... heard some rumors in the city before we set out but I just assumed it was the same as always in these parts. Goblins, orcs, and ogres, oh my!" He chuckled a bit as he eyed the Wizard to see if he could pry the information from him.
Endia meets eyes with Rolen and then glances at the wizard rolls her eyes and lip syncs Blow hard .
Rolen your clothes don't make your profession apparent. They aren't so rich as to come from noble's or merchant's wardrobe. But they show wear and hard use than a servant or white collar would normally have, still they seem well kept enough and of good quality that I doubt you came from a menial profession. All of which is to say that I can't place you, which raises more questions in my mind, questions that I would like to find answers for...
Endia laces her hands together behind her head looks at the horizon and sighs, Does anyone know if we will reach a hamlet or village before nightfall or should we start looking for potential camp sites along the road?
Ahhhh...I see, Endia. I did not realize I was quite the enigma. I will have to share with you my true calling after a time. Let's just say, that I am adept at disposing of others problems, whatever they may be. So, call me a problem solver, for now.
Rolen turns and nods at Alaric as he stalks the outside of the group, alert to his surroundings.
I recognize that approach from my initial training. He carries himself like a ranger and hunter stalking his prey.
Rolen addresses the wizard with a smile.
Alistair, let's not scare off the entertainment. Did you truly hail from Brindol, as I did. If so, I am curious what mission calls the Dwarf and you to this town? Mayhap I can be of assistance.
I believe that is why we all walk this road Master Philandril. We go to Drellin's Ferry because someone has sent us there.
When the wizard looks at him, Brokr widens his eyes in feigned innocence, shrugs his shoulders and spreads his hands. But his eyes belie his mirth. I didn't say a word t' 'er, not a word. 'E did it all 'imself.
At the question, he grimaces a little. "P'rhaps we came from there, and p'rhaps we didn't. For now we make for the ferry."
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Looking at the group with a frown still on his face, Alistair nods in agreement to the dwarf's statement, but says no more.
The Halfling, Kellin, waves his hand dismissively, "Who cares why we find ourselves sharing the road to Drellin's Ferry!" The Halfling man says merrily, "Why not just enjoy the company of the road for now. We are all civilized folks... I don't see any goblins or hobbies here!"
The Dragonborn gives a toothy grin with his snout, "Dracon, civilized." He says happily as he poofs up his chest with pride. "Dracon likes new friends!"
Brokr studies the halfling for a moment before returning his gaze to the roadside. "Are they a normal sight hereabouts, then?"
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"You know the stories... they are up there in the mountains... just waiting to descend upon misbehaving children! You hear the occasionally rumor of a raid on some caravans that comes over from Overlook or down from the north." He says as he darkens his voice for a moment, "I have heard disturbing rumors, of course..." Kellin's serious expression turns to a grin, "but who knows if some merchant isn't just trying to scare his competition!" He pats Dracon on the arm, "That's why we keep this big lovable lug around."
"D'sturbin' rumors o' what sort?"
Miha slows as she glances back from Kellin, "You are a fool as always, Kellin Shadowbanks." She said in a haunting tone before she turned her attention to the road. "I warned you that doom was in the cards. You called me a charlatan and doomsayer." Miha spoke with an annoyed tone.
"Are you still upset about that, Miha?" The Halfling seemed surprised, "No wonder you have been so grumpy. Well... you hear things on the road and in the seedy taverns that I prefer to frequent. So much character..." He flashed a smile to Brokr, "Well, my fellow vertically challenged man, rumors are that more and more raids are occurring. They say Overlook has even stopped their caravans altogether... goblins and hobgoblins on the roads... dragons in the skies... you know the wild fancies of the men upon the road for weeks on end with no woman in sight." He thumbs to Miha and Endia with a grin, "That is why I keep them around for looks... keeps the road crazies away." He offers a sagely nod.
I think I know where we're headed after the ferry. Brokr looks at the wizard for a moment before returning to his watch of the roadside.
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My Speaker has too seen omens and portents related to a Clawed Red Hand. It is what I was sent to investigate.
"Yer speaker, enh? What's a speaker, then?"
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Something that Kristophe says catches Alistair's attention.
"What was that? A red clawed hand? Tell me more."
The Speaker is the chosen representative and leader of a Circle. We follow the Old Ways, and seek to achieve Balance in the land, and protect it. I do not know any more than what was told to me, portents and dreams of a Red Clawed Hand bringing destruction to the Vale. I seek knowledge just as you do..
A Red Clawed Hand, eh? That certainly sounds ominous. It may be that these raids are connected. Absent other investigation locally about such a symbol, we should probably look to the raids as a group.
Alaric nods in agreement with Kristophe.
"We seek to protect the land, as I protect Kristophe. But I admit, as uncomfortable as I am in large groups, I am glad to have all of you as company."
He smiles at the rest, bowing his head slightly, as if in reverence, as his gaze returns to Kristophe.