"That's where it gets a little dicey. Damaris left without contacting us. None of the others were affiliated with us. What information we have is second-hand. What we do know comes from two sources."
"First, an akaara called Io threw in with them and helped them escape. She traveled with them for a time before returning back to her tribe. She says they went south, out of the Marches and into the elven woods below the mountains."
"Second, there's the people that contacted us wanting to get to the Hakar family and get them out as well. They called themselves the Sons of Jurnos. Supposedly they came from far to the south, from a city...a human city. Sounds like a fairy tale, but Jurnos was the twin brother of Jorin and the King of the South. So...well, there you have it."
" So it would seem that our answers are most likely to the south in the city of men. A fairy tale, perhaps, but the world is already so topsy turvy it's hard to tell."
Evram looks at Magnus.
"You're in for quite a trip if you do. I think it's safer staying here and fomenting rebellion against the dwarves, myself, but to each their own."
"A journey of that magnitude could take days... weeks, even. And the supplies we would require..." Stilgar shakes his head, pondering all of this. He would wait till later to tell the others of his more pressing concern.
"Thank you, Evram. This information can prove invaluable to us."
"Sounds like a grand adventure to me!" Jinjer says around a mouthful of mutton. "When do we get started?"
"It would be good to get out of this cold. Though you are right about the supplies. The caravans will be all snug for the winter. It is a long walk on your own."
"Let's discuss this elsewhere shall we? I don't believe I want to be caught by any vengeance patrols regardless of our intent."
Magnus raises his hands to show that he is not a threat. He says to Evram and his gang " I'm reaching into my bag. No one shoot. " He fishes into the bottom of his pack for the Finding Sphere. he whispers to it
"Let's discuss this elsewhere shall we? I don't believe I want to be caught by any vengeance patrols regardless of our intent."
"An excellent idea m'lady. Our cover here is thinner than Io's pinky."
Time to head back to town I think
"Safe travels to you. If we meet again, you'll have to tell me how things turned out. The little lady is right. We should make ourselves scarce as well."
With that, he turns to his group and makes a motion. They begin gathering up their things and prepare to move out.
Your group finds the walk back to town uneventful. When you reach the inn, Ouryn welcomes you back. At this point the place is rather full of locals, all taking advantage of the weather as an excuse to gather for company. The air smells heavy with spices, as a large cauldron of mulled mead hangs in the hearth.
As they all get settled in the inn, Stilgar turns to the others.
"There's something I didn't want to mention before," he begins, seating himself, "We don't have anything concrete, but it would be wise for me to relay what we've uncovered so far to my... benefactors. If the information is not to their satisfaction, perhaps they could provide more insight on this place Evram spoke of. As it is now, we would be merely chasing shadows."
"Let us know what they say, Stilgar...the sooner, the better. I have a feeling...just a feeling, mind you, that our exploits thus far have not gone unnoticed."
Then Jinjer calls for a mug of mulled mead...or helps herself if allowed.
Tarrana bristles visibly and glares at Stilgar. "And how much are you going to tellyour superiors about the anathema that travels with you?"
Stilgar recoils slightly at Tarrana's tone and frowns.
"Not a word, that much I can swear," he says, "They are more than likely aware that I have not been alone in this endeavor, but I suspect that they are more concerned with answers than they are with my choice of companions. If they haven't fell upon us yet, then they may very well know nothing."
Magnus calls over the bartender. " So what's the story with your roadsign? I saw a hidden face in the bushes. Neat visual trick, but there's usually a story behind something like that. "
Ouryn gives a laugh. "Sure you're mistaken, master gnome, though it's a fine sign, to be sure." he replies, loudly enough to be heard by the other tables. He takes the pretense of bringing another round of drinks to your table to speak more quietly to you about it, leaning in close to place your mugs on the table as he does so.
"This is an old place, friends. It's said most of the valley were all forest back in the day. The three trees you see outside were the very heart of the forest. This was the only building that stood here, a hunting lodge, said to hold the favor of the Horned King himself, and that he watched over its occupants. The face in the tree is the Woodsy Lord keeping an eye on his faithful."
Stilgar recoils slightly at Tarrana's tone and frowns.
"Not a word, that much I can swear," he says, "They are more than likely aware that I have not been alone in this endeavor, but I suspect that they are more concerned with answers than they are with my choice of companions. If they haven't fell upon us yet, then they may very well know nothing."
"Or they are waiting for us to get the results they want and then they will excise those of us who are too tall to fit the proper heroic mold."
Gaius drowns his smirk in the over sweet drink.
Brodgar remains quiet and withdrawn, pondering the matter of a 'free city'. He still hasn't managed to decide if it's a fanciful tale or a real possibility when the subject of reporting to their 'employers' comes up.
He waits a moment for the others to voice their opinions before chiming in. "Stilgar and Gaius are correct - answers will likely matter more at this point. It's prob'ly better to let them know we've made progress rather than leavin' them thinkin' we've been lax."
"This is an old place, friends. It's said most of the valley were all forest back in the day. The three trees you see outside were the very heart of the forest. This was the only building that stood here, a hunting lodge, said to hold the favor of the Horned King himself, and that he watched over its occupants. The face in the tree is the Woodsy Lord keeping an eye on his faithful."
Jinjer's attention is suddenly drawn to Ouryn's voice. "Can you tell me more about the Horned King and the Woodsy Lord? How long ago did they walk this land?"
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Ouryn keeps a watchful eye on the other clientele, but seems at ease due to the fact they are regulars and neighbors.
"Aye, lass. Both names for a single figure, one you may know by yet another name: Kurnan. It's said he walks this land still. There are hunters and trappers--true mountain men that come into town only to trade wares and buy supplies--that say they've seen him in the forests on the boundaries of the Marches. A giant figure, equal parts animal and man, sporting a great rack of antlers atop his head and a bow no other being has the strength to string and draw. Lord of Beasts and patron of hunters he is. A wild god of wilder times, but revered still, despite what the Baalites may claim," the innkeeper says, flicking a glance at Stilgar and Brodgar.
"No offense intended, of course."
"I've no more respect for the old gods than I do for Baal." Tarrana says. "I think we would all be better off if we stopped searching for gods and started asking ourselves what we could be doing to solve our own problems. Gods tend to answer either with fiery wrath or apathy."
"Answer with? Or answer to? It is, after all, the fault of mortals that these times are so dark. The gods have already answered their prayers and bestowed them with the power to make their own answers, but so many would use it for other ends. Such is the folly of faith."
I prefer not to trouble myself with the trivialities of religion. The Gods will do what they will. We are but pawns, and I time would be better spent on our own work and discoveries than on trying to out-predict the whims of the omniscient in the hopes of gaining favour. I am still a servant of Baal, but I do not presume to speak for him. Thank you, Ouryn. I think we shall be on our way. You have made our stay in Three Oaks most hospitable and enlightening.
"Aye, lass. Both names for a single figure, one you may know by yet another name: Kurnan. It's said he walks this land still. There are hunters and trappers--true mountain men that come into town only to trade wares and buy supplies--that say they've seen him in the forests on the boundaries of the Marches. A giant figure, equal parts animal and man, sporting a great rack of antlers atop his head and a bow no other being has the strength to string and draw. Lord of Beasts and patron of hunters he is. A wild god of wilder times, but revered still, despite what the Baalites may claim," the innkeeper says, flicking a glance at Stilgar and Brodgar.
Jinjer's mouth drops open and she blushes slightly for not having recognized the ancient names of her patron god. She gives the others a scowl at their faithless retorts, but to Ouryn, she says, "May the Horned King watch over you, my new friend, until we meet again. If I find him, I will tell him of how you and others still honor him." Then she stands on her tip toes and kisses Ouryn on the cheek.
Ouryn looks flustered and his cheeks redden a bit.
"Thank ye, lass. A safe journey to you all. Best get settled in back home afore the snows set in. Been speaking to folk with better weather sense than myself, and they say it'll be a bad one. I'll pack some food for you on your return journey. On the house. Consider it an early Midwinter Gift, since I'll likely not see you again before then. You're all welcome here at the Huntsman's Rest."
"And you manage to do even more for us, Ouryn," Stilgar says with a light chuckle, bowing his head slightly, "You took a great risk in helping us... thank you for everything."
Brodgar gives something between a grunt and a mirthless laugh as the conversation turns to religion. "We do what we can with what we're given. That Baal grants us aid is enough for me."
As the group finishes its farewells, Brodgar silently nods in agreement, appreciative of the risks Ouryn took.
"Thank you Ouryn. The way things are going I would not be suprised if we get something a bit worse than bad weather this year. Keep yourself safe, who knows what can blow in on a bad wind."
Your group sets out west on the road out of town, trudging along through the early snow. Just after dark you arrive back at the roadside inn where you defeated the bandits. The place has been cleaned up and you are met at the door by one of the constable's deputies that you met on the road. Two of them have stayed here as a temporary guard. Meanwhile a family--relations to the folks that ran the place--has come from Three Oaks to maintain the place for now. For your assistance in dealing with the bandits, your stay and meals are free of charge.
In the morning you set out again. The sky overhead is blanketed with lead gray clouds, threatening yet another heavy snowfall. You make fair time despite the snow on the road and by what you figure is midday the peak that holds the Jarl's fortress comes into view, the village just on the other side of it.
Brodgar:
Gaius:
Tarrana:
Magnus:
Jinjer:
As you pass a small farmstead, your attention is attracted by the sound of a voice that carries to you sounding hollow and strangely diminished. (Well, all of you but Tarrana, who seems absorbed by an angry, whispered conversation she's having with something just above her left shoulder.)
"Help...please, anybody...help me."
Looking in the direction of the sound, you see nothing but a yard containing a few trees, snow-covered bushes, and a stone well.
Jinjer readies an arrow and moves as swiftly and quietly as she can toward the well, stopping behind a tree, and then a bush, and then eventually the well.
Assuming she reaches the well without any confrontation, she waves her companions forward, watching the trees and bushes for a possible ambush.
Magnus waits for Jinjer's signal, then comes up to the well. He casts dancing light as far into the well as he can see in order to view whoever is calling. Once he sees someone he will call down. "Don't worry, we are here to help. Are you hurt? "
Jinjer is about to signal the group to move forward, when her eyes dart to a tree nearby, then some bushes.
"Ambush!" she hollers.
There's movement as a half dozen figures, hidden in a semi-circle around the yard, move to take what little advantage they can, now that their trap has been sprung prematurely.
Stilgar:
Brodgar:
Gaius:
Tarrana:
Magnus:
Surprise Round:
Halfling
Human #1
Dwarf #1
Jinjer
Gnome
Human #2
Dwarf #2
A small figure hidden in the brush nearby launches a sling bullet at Jinjer, striking her across the temple.
A tall, lean human up in a nearby tree launches an arrow, which thuds into the wooden post supporting the well's cover and winch.
A dwarf bearing outcast tattoos moves from behind a tree, tossing a small bag at Jinjer. It bursts into a mass of goo that covers her. She avoids being stuck fast but is hindered by the gooey mass clinging to her.
Round 1 Initiative Order:
Halfling
Human #1
Stilgar
Dwarf #1
Tarrana
Magnus
Jinjer
Gnome
Brodgar
Gaius
Human #2
Dwarf #2
Magnus throws up his hands and speaks quickly as he can in as many languages as he knows. "We Surrender! What do you want from us?"
"Surrender my ass," Jinjer growls as she aims and fires an arrow at the tall human in the tree.
"Stand down friends, these are outcasts. I am sure they don't realize that we are on the same side. Isn't that right, friend dwarf? "
Surprise Round, Part 2:
Hampered by the goo draping her body, Jinjer's shot against her opponent thuds into the tree he's hiding behind.
A gnome pops up from the brush, hair a mass of brown tangles. He grins in Magnus' direction and casts a spell. A tingle of magic stirs around Magnus, Tarrana, and Gaius, and then your seer and oracle slump to the ground, unconscious.
A second human, short and broad-shouldered, moves from concealment and heads toward Jinjer. He is unarmed, but his large, hammy fists are encased in fingerless leather gloves that show signs of much rough use.
A second dwarf, clad in leathers and also sporting outcast tattoos, moves out of cover and goes churning through the snow into the clearing, holding a pair of axes clearly balanced for throwing.
Initiative Order:
Halfling
Human #1
Stilgar
Dwarf #1
Tarrana
Magnus
Jinjer
Gnome
Brodgar
Gaius
Human #2
Dwarf #2
"Just our luck..." Stilgar muses with an annoyed tone, wincing slightly as Gaius and Tarrana crumple to the ground.
Spellcraft to identify spell:
Seeing the hardware-packing human and dwarf emerge, Stilgar reaches into his component pouch for another inscribed piece of parchment, whilst murmuring a prayer of protection to Baal.
Drawing his hammer, he would then try to make his way towards the gnome apparently responsible for subduing his allies, silently grumbling about the deep snow.
Brodgar is surprised as they quickly become outnumbered by the gnome's spell. Grasping for any way to turn the tide, he bellows at Magnus. "Don't ye try an' get any ideas about escapin'! Help us with these outcasts and maybe the Jarl'll be lenient!" His efforts to make sure Magnus isn't confused by his lie don't help his case with their attackers.
Redirecting his attention to the enemy, Brodgar yells "Stand down, or in the Jarl's name, we'll have to execute you here in the field!" He follows this with a quick request to Baal for a little extra power in his legs.
The inquisitor then readies his weapon and beguns trundling after his companion in the snow, moving to flank the gnome.
Only you and Tarrana were affected by the spell. Gaius is still conscious.
ah ok.
Full Round Action - wet self.
ROUND ONE
With a smooth flick of his wrist the Stormmage sends a bullet into the spell weaving gnome.
Full Round Action - wet self.
Initiative Order:
Halfling
Human #1
Stilgar
Dwarf #1
Tarrana
Magnus
Jinjer
Gnome
Brodgar
Gaius
Human #2
Dwarf #2
Round 1:
The halfling whirls his sling and sends another bullet streaking toward Jinjer, who ducks just in time, feeling the passing of the bullet ruffle her hair.
The tall human leans back around the tree and launches another shot at Jinjer as well, the arrow grazing her shoulder as it passes.
Stilgar bolsters himself with magic, then trudges toward the opponents.
The first outcast dwarf--the one that threw the bag of goo--pulls a flask of bubbling red liquid from his belt and chugs it down. His body swells and balloons, muscles bulging grotesquely as he pulls a small hammer from its holder.
Tarrana lays in the snow, mumbling softly as an isolated whirling zephyr covers her in a light layer of snow.
Magnus' attempt at surrender draws no response from the group, as they continue to respond to your presence with hostility and force. Magnus meanwhile lies prone upon the road.
Jinjer fires another arrow at the tall human. Before he can take cover behind the tree again, she places a shot just under his collarbone.
The wild-haired gnome casts a spell upon himself, with no apparent effect.
Whether Brodgar's bluff is believed or not by your attackers remains to be seen. His call for them to surrender in the Jarl's name is met with a strange outburst of laughter from the gnome, who seems to find it particularly funny, though his laughter fades a bit when Brodgar surges through the snow at him much more quickly than he anticipated.
The gnome's laughter fades entirely when Gaius skips a bullet off the crown of his head and puts a split in his scalp.
The stocky unarmed human closes on Jinjer, giving her a gap-toothed grin before throwing a punch at her, catching her across the ear with a solid hit.
Meanwhile, the second dwarf churns through the snow, moving into the clearing and getting bearings on the rest of the group.
"Blast this snow!" Stilgar grunts in frustration as he trudges along. Seeing Jinjer being pummeled upon, he grits his teeth and makes an effort to pick up the pace.
"Hells bells!" Jinjer curses, dropping back a few feet (5 ft step), as she swiftly draws and fires point blank at the stocky human.