"I've had enough of my own blood spilled lately!" Jinjer fires back. "Lest you forget, the last travelers we met tried to kill us! Why don't you trot on ahead and extend the right hand of fellowship? If they don't cut it off, then I guess you won't be so...lonely."
"That's enough you two! You can be prepared without being hostile. Gaius, come up with me and we'll greet these folks. Jinjer, you can take up a tactical position off the road. Everyone happy?"
Tarrana shuffles herself to make sure she's not in sight obviously not wanting to be the center of any attention.
"An odd bunch we are, armed to the teeth no less. They should be the ones weary of us. Go on Gaius, tell them that we mean no harm."
Gaius and Magnus move ahead of the party up the road toward the approaching trio as the rest halt, Jinjer moving off the road to concealment and Tarrana doing her best to make herself unnoticed.
As the three get closer you see two men and a woman, all human, wearing studded leather armor. They all have quarterstaves in hand, with secondary weapons at their belts. As your two members approach they slow and one calls a challenge.
"Ho there, travelers. We're deputy constables, out of Three Oaks. Where are you bound, and on what business?"
Gaius and Magnus move ahead of the party up the road toward the approaching trio as the rest halt, Jinjer moving off the road to concealment and Tarrana doing her best to make herself unnoticed.
As the three get closer you see two men and a woman, all human, wearing studded leather armor. They all have quarterstaves in hand, with secondary weapons at their belts. As your two members approach they slow and one calls a challenge.
"Ho there, travelers. We're deputy constables, out of Three Oaks. Where are you bound, and on what business?"
Keeping his hands in sight Gauis addresses the constables.
"You are a welcome sight. We are travelers from Dunshale heading for Three Oaks and we bear bad news. The road house on the way behind us was captured by a group of bandits led by an exiled dwarf using the name 'Bronda'. The folks who ran the inn were dead when we arrived. We fought the bandits killing some and driving off the rest. I am sorry we could not do more.""Would you like us to accompany you to the roadhouse? Or should we check in when we reach Three Oaks?"
The deputy who spoke looks shocked. The other two peer suspiciously at you, but the lead deputy seems convinced of your story.
"Baal's breath...what of the inn? Is it intact? We had reports of heavy smoke near there. That's what brought us out in the first place."
The deputy who spoke looks shocked. The other two peer suspiciously at you, but the lead deputy seems convinced of your story.
"Baal's breath...what of the inn? Is it intact? We had reports of heavy smoke near there. That's what brought us out in the first place."
"That was us. The good father here organized a cremation for the bodies of the family. We did not want to leave the bodies to scavengers. When we left it the Inn was fine. The surviving bandits may have come back once we left however."
As you point out Stilgar, and his office as a priest of Baal, the demeanor of the other two deputies changes noticeably. The lead deputy comes forward and shakes Gaius' hand, then introduces himself deferentially to Stilgar.
"I'm Ansel Torson, father. Allow me and my men to escort you and your servants into town. If there are bandits still lurking about, I'll want to report it to the Constable and perhaps round up some of the militia to secure the inn."
" It is truly a pleasure to make your acquiantance, good sir. I would suggest that my friend's assessment of the situation is, however, overcautious. The bandits were properly dispatched and were nothing but mere lackeys. I think that you will find the inn without further infestation. We would be glad to take your orders back to Three Oaks however, and we will not interrupt your patrol further. I assume you have a seal or other token to assure the Constable of our verisimilitude? "
Ansel blinks at Magnus for a few long moments, as his mind attempts to navigate the elevated vocabulary. Eventually, he seems to puzzle out the gist of what the gnome is saying.
"Er, I'm sure the Constable will take a priest of Baal at his word. Just tell him you met Ansel on the road and I advised you to speak with him."
"Yes, of course," Stilgar says, walking forward to follow Ansel, "I hope all is well in Three Oaks?"
"Passing well, sir, yes. We had a creepy incident on High Harvest. You know how they say that evil spirits go abroad on that night? It seems that's true. A few of the restless dead crept in near town and attacked some folk. There was an injured girl, but no deaths. Things have been quiet since, at least until these bandits showed up."
" No doubt due to the exemplory occupational commitement and fervour shown by the members your garrison's constabulary." Magnus bequeaths. Then, looking at the confused looks on all members of the party around him, he simplifies. "Mean's you're doing good work. Alright, good day to you, gentlemen, let us depart, fellows."
Jinjer steps from concealment and gives the constables a nod and a brief smile before moving up behind Magnus. "Well spoken...father. Guess that makes us your children, eh?"
She chuckles and slaps him on the backside and moves back up to the front of the group.
Magnus mumbles something inaudibly about "maturity level being about right." "Oh, Jinjer, I see you are back. Well now that we are all refreshed and have met the constables, I suppose we can continue on. Good day gentlemen, and I wish you well." Assuming the constables are happy, Magnus begins moving on towards Three Oaks.
Assuming there's nothing else the party wants of the deputies, they move on, traveling along the road until they reach Three Oaks. The place is easily three times the size of Dunshale, with myriad trails of smoke drifting into the sky to mingle with the clouds, coming from the many chimneys of the homes and shops. As you reach the town square, you note a large green in the center of town. In the middle of it are a trio of mighty trees, dwarfing the town's buildings. In summer, their canopies likely shade most of the green. It would likely take more than a dozen adult humans linking arms to encircle one of their trunks.
In a ring around the oaks' green are various shops and taverns, as well as an inn, the Huntsman's Rest. Oddly, you do not see the temple to Baal in the town center. The constable's office is readily apparent, however.
"I suppose we had better sell off the equipment we salvaged before speaking to the constable. There's no point in carrying dead weight with us."
As the cleric speaks, he notes that there is no temple where expected one to be, though he makes nothing of it.
103 GP Stilgar, Gaius
28 GP Taranna
20.5GP Brodgar
53GP Jinjer (+100 arrows in her quiver)
105.1 GP Magnus (Accountant's fee included)
We still have both potions and an unpriced gold armband
The group visits shops, selling off their goods. There are a few raised eyebrows concerning armor sporting holes and fresh bloodstains, but as soon as the word "bandits" is brought up, no further explanation is needed. The shopkeep at the general store looks over your armband and says he'd part with 20gp for it.
The Constable's office is a sturdy stone and timber structure with barred windows. Entering, you find a tall, lanky fellow with unkempt shoulder-length hair and several days growth of beard on his face. He seems to be alone in the office, which consists of nothing more than an old wooden desk, a few chairs, and a hall that opens into a small row of cells.
Looking up, he gives a smile, swinging his feet off the desk and standing to meet the group as they enter.
"Welcome to Three Oaks. I'm Jerron Wellard, Constable. What can I do for you folks?"
Jinjer says nothing, but leans up against the wall, her arms crossed...waiting and watching.
"Greetings, Jerron. My name is Stilgar," he begins, standing before the constable, "I am afraid I have some grave news for you. My companions and I traveled here from Dunshale, and along the way we came across a roadhouse that had been taken over by bandits. We drove them off, but unfortunately, we found no survivors. We happened across a good man named Ansel shortly after and told him of this - he recommended that we come and speak with you."
"Greetings, Jerron. My name is Stilgar," he begins, standing before the constable, "I am afraid I have some grave news for you. My companions and I traveled here from Dunshale, and along the way we came across a roadhouse that had been taken over by bandits. We drove them off, but unfortunately, we found no survivors. We happened across a good man named Ansel shortly after and told him of this - he recommended that we come and speak with you."
At your news, Jerron loses his smile. "Dammit. I knew something was wrong. One of our farmers reported smoke. Must have been a bold bunch to hit the inn like that. Thank you for coming and telling me. I'll have to report this to the Thane. Without much traffic in the winter, there really isn't a need for the inn to be running, but I'll have to station someone out there to keep more scum from squatting in it."
He takes a staff from a rack on the wall, and grabs his cloak off a hook nearby. "Their daughter just turned sixteen. My little brother was sweet on her..." He trails off, shaking his head. "I'm sorry you had to be involved, but I'll be sure and let the Thane know you were able to help. If you're staying awhile, tell Ouryn over at the Huntsman's Rest that your my guests. He'll waive charges for your rooms for a night." Fastening the cloak, he takes the staff like a walking stick. "Is there anything else I can do for you? I'll need to drum up some of the militia and get patrols on the road, in case those bandits are still lurking, at least until the dwarves can get some trackers out."
Gaius speaks for the first time. His voice is low and respectful. He speaks quickly.
"The smoke was our work. The family that lived there was cremated. there are about three to four bandits remaining. The second in command, now likely the leader, was a human referred to as 'Ian'. The former leader, whom we killed, was referred to as 'Bronda', a dwarf with exile tattoos. The fled without the majority of their weapons but they may have had a cash somewhere. That is all I can remember about them."
"There is something you can do for us. We came from Dunshale in part to try to find a number of individuals. A human named Asheron, a priest of Baal and a young human woman named Aidan Hakar. They would have arrived about five years ago. They might have just passed through but the man did study under a priest in this city so perhaps he will remember.
We are also looking for a trio of travelers who are likely only newly arrived. A human couple and a gnome. The Gnome is very strong and he may be using the name 'Mule'. There was a nocturne attack on Dunshale and this group cannot be accounted for.
Any assistance you or your constables can provide in helping us find these people will be welcome."
The smile returns to Jerron's face, though it seems a bit less warm. "You don't ask for much, do you?" he asks wryly. "Five years ago I was just a greenhorn member of the town militia. I was picked for constable's deputy three years ago, and only made Constable because the last one died in an accident and no one else wanted the job."
"C'mon with me, I've got to get moving. I'll walk you over to the inn while we talk. Those folk you mention passing through five years ago don't ring a bell. Might want to ask Ouryn Dunmont at the inn, though his memory isn't the best. If that Asheron fella was a priest, you'll want to speak with old Durin at the chapel. Just follow the east road out of town, take the first south fork. It's about a half mile."
You move out of the constable's office and across the green at the center of town, passing under the oaks and continuing on to a two story affair, it's wood dark with age. On the spar above the door hangs an expertly carved wooden sign sporting a man lying under a tree, his hat pulled down over his eyes and a bow resting against the tree's trunk.
"Now those other three folks you mentioned, that's a different story. They've been through town from time to time. Matter of fact, I just saw them a day or two ago, right out in front of the inn here. The man's some kind of traveling tinker or craftsman, I think. Woman's probably his daughter, though maybe a young wife. I remember the gnome. That pack of his is bigger than he is...must have the old man's whole stock and store on his shoulders."
Brodgar mentally notes the Constable's suggestions, figuring that the priest is their best bet. But since they're at the inn anyway...
"Thank ye for your time, constable," he says with a nod. "We've all got work t' do, so we'll let you get on with it."
Brodgar pushes his way into the inn, looks around for the keeper, and approaches him to inquire about Ouryn Dunmont.
Jerron gives a nod. "Glad to be of service, and thank you for seeing to the bodies back at the roadhouse, that was kind of you." With that, he moves off.
Brodgar leads the way into the Huntsman's Rest, finding a fairly spacious common room with long trestle tables and decor reminiscent of a hunter's lodge. The only customers at the moment are a couple of locals at the bar and a party of five halflings sitting at one of the tables, having a meal. A rich smell of cooking food permeates the place, almost covering the smell of stale, spilled beer. Behind the bar stands a tall, pot-bellied man, bald but for a fringe of graying hair round the back of his head, and sporting a thick mustache. He wears a stained apron and is assembling tankards on a tray for a waiting barmaid, probably bound for the halflings' table.
Tarrana stays back and silent for the most part hardly listening to the words aroound her simply lsitening to the tauns and jeers of the spirits.
Perception:
Magnus makes a few purchases as well while he sells of the parties supplies, taking the requests of the group and trying his best to obtain their desired items. When they arrive at the Huntsman's Rest, he spends most of his time up in his room, crafting a scroll.
Jinjer's belly growls at the smell of food and she orders a bowl of whatever is being served up while they await word of Ouryn.
Inquiring with the man behind the bar, you find who you're looking for easily enough.
"Aye, that'd be me. Ouryn Dunmont's the name, and this here's my inn. Have a seat where you like, and Jesslyn will get yer orders." He scratches at his bulbous nose for a bit. "Will you be wantin' rooms, or just a spot here in the common room? We've got a raised, heated floor, so it's a fair comfortable rest, so I've been told."
Brodgar nods and turns to look at the rest of the party, deferring to their decision on the matter of rooms. He looks around the room and takes a deep breath. The smell of good, hot food pushes him to have a meal before beginning any detective work, so he joins Jinjer and passively observes the room.
"It'd be best for me if I had a room." Tarrana looks about the group of hairy men and settles on the small not so hairy and most importantly female Jinjer "I'll room with her."
"Right, a room fer the two ladies." He fishes around in one of the pockets on his apron and comes up with a key, which he sets on the top of the bar. "That'll be five silver for the room. Just sign the book here. Menu board is on the wall there. Stew will come right up. Other stuff'll take a bit, 'cept cold cuts or sausages. I can take your drink orders now if'n you'd like."
On walking into the inn.
"Ah the concentrated scent of civilization."
"If you have it to spare I would also request a room, and Jerron asked us to mention that we are her as his guests. I hope that will not cause a problem?"
"A bowl of hot stew sounds good right about now," Stilgar says, turning to follow after Brodgar.
At Gaius' mention, Ouryn's face falls slightly, but his demeanor remains cheerful. "Oh sure, sure. Guests of Jerron are always welcome. And there are rooms available. You'll have to double up if you like. Go ahead and hold onto that five silver, misses."
"One bowl of stew coming up for you, master dwarf."
"Ale for me, and a plate of cold cuts will be fine until the stew is ready."
Jinjer slides Ouryn two gold pieces with a wink. "My Da always said that good service is worth a coin or two. Know where I might get a bath, good sir?"
Ouryn's face lights up again when he sees the gold upon the counter. "Aye, miss, yer Da was a wise man, he was. I'll have a tub taken up to yer room and get some water on the fire right away. You just let me know when you're ready." He takes the two coins and slips them into an apron pocket, then sets about pouring a tankard, which he hands to Jinjer. "I'll get yer food straight away."
"Consider this your pourboire, good sir. I'll have a sausage and some cold cuts with my stew if you please." Magnus pulls out a few coins from his pocket and lays them on the table, after his recent plunders, it seems like a pittance to him. Once the food is brought out, Magnus makes his way to his room.
"Ah course, little master. And if'n ye want fer anything else, just let ol' Ouryn know. Jes be sure to sign the register afore retirin' ta yer rooms, if'n you please."
Brodgar orders stew and and ale. "'Fore we retire, the constable told us you might be able to help us in findin' someone. They shoulda come about five years ago - a human woman named Aidan Hakar and a human priest of Baal named Asheron. Don't s'pose you recall them?"
Once his meal arrives, he eats slowly and deliberately, giving him time to answer questions and observe the rest of the inn's inhabitants.
Ouryn chews on one end of his mustache as he considers Brodgar's question.
"Hmm...can't rightly say if I do or not. Everyone has to sign the register afore they can get a room. Let's check the book and see..."
He moves to the great ledger on the counter and begins thumbing back from the current page. After a moment he stops, seeming to finally hear Brodgar's words.
"Human priest, you say? Now there's an oddity. I thought all priests were dwarves. You'd want to speak to old Durin about that one. If anyone would know about that, it'd be him."
That said, he continues to flip back through the huge book. After a few minutes, he stabs a thick finger to the page.
"Ah, here we go. Aidan Hakar. Hakar...you know, there's a ranch owned by a man of that name o'er in Dunshale. I get beef from him. Might be she's a relation. Hey, and here's that Asheron feller's name. Under that's a 'Jack Duskman' which don't ring any bells... . And here's Dimble Daergal. I remember him. He was a gnome bard. Real talent, that one. He had the whole place jumping. Played this real catchy tune just using spoons, mugs, and the table. Had a feller on the fiddle accompanying him at one point. Oh, and there was this woman...real looker, hair like fire...she danced. If I'd been twenty years younger..." He trails off, looking wistful and chewing on his mustache again.
As Ouryn speaks, Stilgar strokes his beard, his eyes slightly widening at the description of the people that had passed through the inn. A gnome whose music held power... a woman with hair like fire... and a servant of Baal, just like him - except human, no less.
"The ones Kravathku spoke of?" he murmurs in thought, unsure of whether he was jumping to conclusions. He was almost certain, but he needed more information. "I suppose we should speak to Durin first then."
"Glad to hear it. Mmmm that stew smells wonderful. My life would be complete if you had something dark and red to drink with it? I would not presume to put wine on Jerron's tab and my purse can stand the strain."
once the innkeep is checking the guestbook.
"That reminds me. I am looking for an aquaintence. He goes by 'Mule' but that is not his name. He is a very strong gnome. Commonly carries a pack bigger than he is, wears well cared for boots and was travelling with a human couple. Sheriff mentioned they've been by recently. Did not remember exactly when though..."
Gaius is served a cup of Hammerfield red, a hearty wine from the vineyards of Jarl Kressak, to the east.
Ouryn responds surprisingly quickly to Gaius' query.
"Ah, there's someone not easy to forget. The old feller you're speakin' of goes by Wayland. The gnome's name is Berendar, though 'Mule' would certainly fit him. Why, once I threw my back out and Wayland had the feller help me haul some stock up from the basement. On my life, that gnome hauled an entire hogshead of mead up all by himself! Looked like an ant carrying a peanut on its back! Yeah...they were in here not a day past High Harvest. Spent the night afore heading out again."
To Stilgar: "If'n yer wanting to speak to old Durin, master dwarf, the chapel is about a mile outside of town, at the river's edge. Just follow the road east out of town and take the first fork right and follow that on 'til the end. Ye can't miss it."
Tarrana sits quietly and listens a little too paranoid yet to put herself forward.
Magnus takes mental note as the names are flown back and forth. He retires to his room once the book has been signed. He opens his sac and begins crafting, but before he does so, he touches the finding sphere. He says audibly to himself "So many questions, but which ones to ask first?"