Gameplay thread.
Dot.
dippin' a dot in the campaign-sauce.
Dot
Ready to go pending final DM approval/changes
Same here
Hodgekin is positively waggling his tail in excitement.
The old tavern creaks in the wind and rain. A storm rages outside, but here it is dry and warm. The light beckons to travelers on the road.
A faded and cracked sign swings in the wind, naming the tavern "The Old Rooster".
I pull my rain cloak tighter about myself and walk toward the taverns' light. Miserable weather, of course the carriage I was with had to be attacked by bandits and the burn down... Though the last portion of that could arguably be called my fault. At least I had made it out alive, it was more then could be said for the owners of the carriage or the bandits.
I push open the tavern door, Hello? I call in, shaking off the rain.
Seeing no one immediately evident and no one inside the in, I shrug. The fire looks inviting so I make my way inside, removing my rain cloak I throw it over the back of a chair near the fire and pull another chair close so that I can sit with my boots up on the hearth to dry out. I check to ensure my outfit is as impeccable as it can be having just come in from the wet weather.
A large, gruff looking comes out of the basement with a barrel.
With no greeting, he says (in French) "It will be two pieces of silver to stay for the night. Another silver if you want something to eat and 2 if you want a bed rather than a mat on the floor."
The inn does appear to be empty at the moment. It's a simple dwelling with a dirt floor and a smattering of chairs and tables. On one end is a bar with some barrels of ale and wine.
A wiry looking frenchman comes in with a heavy satchel over one shoulder. Under a tangled mass of mousey brown hair, sharp eyes look this way and that as though sizing up the very air in front of him. His gaze lingers for a moment on the impeccably dressed stranger in the corner but the frenchman dismisses him soon enough. Without a word he walks up to the bar and thumps down his satchel, quarrels promptly spill out of the top but he makes no move to pick them up or conceal them.
"Ale," he says in a raspy voice, as though he were unused to speaking regularly.
I set 5 silver on the table (French)"Only peasants sleep on mats" I sniff with disdain that I would find myself at such a shoddy establishment. "What will I be eating for this meal? I inquire.
I look to the door and watch as a wet dog man walks into the establishment, not even drying himself off. I tisk under my breath at his condition.
Sitting in a corner, already wolfing down a hot meal, a man still damp from the weather sat with his fine weapons near at hand. His clothes placed him as a Northman. He snorted at Damion's assertion. "The mats are comfortable enough for a man," he advised Guy in French. To both of them he added with a grin, "Come, join me in a bit of ale that we may speak to pass the time. What news do you bring?" He didn't seem terribly put off by Damion's attitude or Guy's quarrels, but his eyes were watchful behind his cheerful expression.
He takes out a mug from under the bar and fills it. "That'll be 4 copper.
He turns around to the pair at the bar and says The meal be bread, cheese, and broth.
The food doesn't taste particularly good, and it is small, but it is likely the best they have around.
I look around the interior of the Inn too see if there are any dart boards or cards out. If I see either, "Anyone for a game?"
The wind turns the rain into stinging nettles against his exposed flesh, causing the mounted man to pull his cloak even tighter, ”Onward Perdition, only a bit farther to a haven in this storm.” It takes a moment, and a gentle nudging of the mans heals to motivate the horse to resume movement, but soon the pair and sauntering into Risieaux, eyes peeled for an inn or tavern. Spotting that of an old rooster, he guides his soaking steed toward the stables, dismounting and fishing out a silver for the stable hand, a young lad who looks like he’d rather be anywhere but here. ”The blessings of a cleansing rain are here my boy” the man states with a wry grin, ”Do not lament your position, use it! There will be a second silver for you if you rub him down good and make sure he’s fed well. If I really like how you treat him, perhaps a coin of a different color.” he adds, letting a glint of gold be seen. That should inspire the lad into treating Perdition well enough. the man thinks as he makes his way to the tavern proper.
Opening the door and welcoming the wash of heat that greats his chilled frame, he looks each man in the eyes as he slowly shakes off the excess water. ”The blessing of the Lord Almighty be upon this humble establishment and all who reside here.” he calls out to the collected masses, letting his priestly garments be viewed under his traveling garb. Approaching the tavernkeep, he puts on a smile, ”While I’m sure a man of God such as yourself would freely offer a servant of the Lord a bit of food and a mat to rest out the storm, I insist you allow me to pay in some fashion. Pray tell, are there sick that might require tending, crops or hearths that need blessing, or would you prefer the more earthly rewards for your grace and kindness?”
"No charge for a priest of the Lord. We need more of your kind here. Crops are failing and many of us go hungry."
"Then I thank you for whatever you can provide on behalf of our lord above. Tell me, is there a Lord of the area I might offer my services to on the morrow? Crops failing and people starving distract from worshipping our heavenly Father." Then, turning to address the others in the, "And what of those who will share this roof with me tonight? Any news from your travels?"
The local lord lives in the castle by the lake. You can't miss it. And believe me, he will welcome your service. This land has been trouble by all manner of troubles.
"No news of these parts, I'm afraid, save for the happy news of a wedding some leagues off." The Northman paused in his meal at the innkeep's words. "What manner of trouble do you speak of? Is it simply the failing crops, or are there bandits about? Or perhaps some third trouble?"
This storm, for one. 6 like it just in the last month. Great monstrosities that flood the land and destroy the crops. Luckily I built my inn on higher ground. But they keep getting worse.It's only a matter of time before I am washed out too.
I listen intently to the exchange between travelers. Being a man of science I scoff a little at the priests high speeches under my breath. At the mention of great storms I say to myself, "Has someone harnessed the very weather with science?"
"Only God may control the elements," the Northman remarked piously, but with an undertone that suggested he might be amused with Damion's suggestion. Eyeing Kraven, he said more soberly, "It is truth that men of God are needed in such times. Come, sit here, Father, and let us speak. Perhaps you might allow me to join you in visiting the local Lord? When the storm has calmed, of course." He grinned at Damion and Guy. "Let us all eat together and be as merry as poor mortals may be in such times. I am but a traveler, and have not heard much of the woes of this land, as you can see. Have any of you heard more?"
A crack of thunder roared in the heavens, and for all his talk of being merry, the man frowned at the shuttered window. "The Devil's own weather," he muttered in Danish.
A relatively dry man, of eastern decent clad in a breastplate, enters into the small area. Several eyes hover over the exotic sight, made even more exotic by his vibrant green eyes, before wandering back to there meals and mead.
The Samurai walks to the owner and begins speaking fluent, if somewhat still accented, french with a grand smile on his face.
ah, my good friend, I am on my way to meet with a company I was traveling with, I fear I may need a place to stay for a night or two. Pray, this should cover it and any meals I feel? I understand the folks around here have been down on their luck, pray, take it and keep any change. Also, I would seek something to keep my horse out of the storm. He is saddled outside. I would lead him there if you but tell me where to go.
he clasps the mans shoulder for a moment after handing him 5 gold pieces.
I manage to hold my tongue at the Northerners comment about 'God,' barely. I watch as a man of Asian decent enters the Inn and stair for a moment before I catch myself. What brings him here? I wonder.
"The Devil has better things to do than piss down rain on a bunch of peasants," Guy says in Danish from the bar, "They break quick?" He asks in French again but lapses back into silence after that, drinking his ale but remaining eerily aware of the goings on in the tavern and sparing a glance at the foreigner that wandered into the bar next.
Sir Walden Layton walks into the inn.
"Ho there innkeeper! I would like some ale, if you have any."
The clergyman’s eyes widen as the distant foreigner enters, clearly expecting the barbarous man to fall into a craze of pillaging and violence. When he instead speaks the languages of the western world fluently, it takes a moment for the man of the cloth to click his jaw closed. With the talk of the Devil, Kraven is thrust back into a more familiar setting, and picks it up smoothly. ”Ahh, but the Devil has minions of darkness to handle everything that might bring a man to despair. By calling forth this rain, he may be trying to sow doubt in mans hearts over the compassion of God and the trials he gives to forge a mans spirit. When that doubt grows strong enough, the Devil will strike, leading them astray and corrupting his soul.” Opening his hands wide, he continues, ”While I cannot say this IS the work of the Devil, do not let it discourage you and cloud your faith in the Almighty. All souls will be judged in the hereafter based on the challenges they faced in life. Wouldn’t you rather spend a month or two cold, wet and hungry, only to be rewarded with a place in the heavens for all time?”
overhearing the conversation near the table Akio turns and regards the priest for a moment then speaks.
Aye, wise is the leader of men who lets them grow strong from hardships, but foolish is he who does not aid their suffering when his enemies rage across his lands. I have heard many great things of this God of which you speak, but have seen few, if any, of these things myself... I will admit this though, this God Interests me, not only the promises of this life after death, but his teaching on the morals of a man I find quite refreshing. Though I have many questions Of this God.
He then turns back to the inn keeper
The innkeeper's eyes grow wide at the sight of the five gold pieces.
That will do for quite a few nights here. The boy will take care of the horse. Boy! the kid runs in. Take his horse and make sure he gets food and a rubdown.
He brings out the food and drink for the remainder of guests. As he does so, he continues to talk about the storms.
I don't know whether it be the work of alchemy, magic, or the Devil himself, but there is a reward to whoever can stop it. If your interested, head to the manor east of here when the storm passes.
it would be best if I were to at least accompany the boy, zefa (meaning zephyr) is not found of strangers, though with me, and a few apples later and strangers the two will be no more! Bwhaha. Besides, I have a canvas I am using as cover against this weather. I would see it stowed away upon his sheltering. Aside of that, there are a couple items I would grab before I turn in for the night.
Akio smiles at the man, then the boy.
"I, at least, would like to discover if or how this weather is being controlled. Perhaps I could harness it for more mundane uses such as ensuring crops get enough rain."
I HIGHLY doubt that this weather is being controlled. states Kraven bluntly. "It is simply a challenge to mens convictions. One that we will meet and God will be praised for tempering us. Now, I for one would like to rest my weary and wet bones." Turning to the tavernkeep. "Would that spot near the fire be open for a mat?"
"How much?" Guy said, unpacking his satchel finally. A part from a few parcels, a change of clothes, and the quarrels the majority of the space inside the satchel was taken up by various peices of worked wood and metal attachments. Within minutes he assembled something resembling a crossbow, though instead of one prod there appeared to be two metal-braced, composite prods running parallel to the tiller of the weapon and a bulky looking box had been added to the underside of the weapon.
He had little interest in the cause of the weather but if there was money to be made entertaining the delusions of the superstitious gentry in the area, he was not averse to playing along for now.
I fear the power to control the weather is too great for one man, be he strong of character and will or not.
Akio interjects, Then proceeds with the lad to stable his horse, even letting the boy ride as he lead Zefa. After the lad fed him 2 apples of course.
he returns bearing a backpack, a composite longbow, a quiver, and a long staff topped with a curved blade (naginata) glinting with the polished sheen of love and care. He then will find a seat somewhat near the fire set his pack down and place his unstrung bow on top. He will then ask for a cup of hot water which he will mix with some herbs that he had taken from his pack.
as he drinks he speaks.
Ah, nothing like some good tea from home. Well then, my honored friends. May I have the pleasure of your names? you may call me Derick. As that is what many of the folk in the caravan "named" me. My ancestral name is Ryuu, Akio Ryuu.
Pleasantly surprised to find another speaker of Danish here, if a bit annoyed that his invitation had been ignored, Erik was about to respond when another stranger and the very foreign foreigner entered. He listened to the conversation with interest as he finished his meal.
"Achio Riú?" The Dane mused, mangling the name a bit to sound a little Italian and French. He looked at the bladed staff curiously. "You must be far from home, not to know of our God. I am Erik Løvendal from Denmark - a country north of these. What brings you here? Are you sick?" he asked, indicating the "herbal remedy" (tea) that Akio was drinking. "Perhaps you travel to Paris, to see their doctors?"
Akio chuckles a bit at.
in Danish- ;)
aye Aerik, far from home I am indeed my friend, and so I have been for many years, and many more will I be I am sure. I came with a caravan of trade at the request of my daiymo, and no, I am not sick, this is a high quality drink from my homeland. Would you like to try a sip? Though I do have some of a harder hitting drink from home left if that would be more your taste.
he will motion to offer a cup.
In french-
It is not that I do not know of your god, I know much, but knowing, and understanding, are different things.
Openly astonished that yet another stranger - and such a strange one! - spoke his language, Erik roared with laughter. "You are a conundrum, my friend! If you were to understand God, I'm sure you would be the first. Let me try this drink of yours, and you will share my ale." In Danish he added, "Though I fear it is only weak pigswill!"
Returning to french, he grinned mischeivously as he said, "Your Dame-yo sent you, eh? This is your wife - din dame? Truly she must be fearsome to send you so far from your home! Where is your home, Achio?"
Hearing all the side speak in a language I don't understand I ignore the other travelers for now and think on how one could control weather. I begin pulling beakers and vials, small burners and other items out of my pack and begin mixing things together.
Craft Alchemy DC25, 400sp, Bottled Lightning.
After a number of hours of fiddling with my equipment I begin cursing in a number of languages and sweep about half of the perishable items I was working with into the fire.
Akio laughs at Erik.
dai-ymo, and no no, he is my.... king, or baron, if you prefer... he is also my father. My home is across the desert trails of Arabia, through open steppes along the silk road, across the grand mountains of china and across the sea. You see, Japan is my home, though I fear for its people.
Akio will mix Erik a cup.
Erik grinned good-naturedly - until he got a taste of the tea. Screwing up his face in dislike, he set it aside quickly. "I think I will stick to ale, my friend," he said. "I hope your father had more than that to trade!" He winked at Akio, offering the man his own cup.
Having finished his meal, he looked over at what Damion was doing curiously. "What's all this apparatus? Are you a doctor yourself? You seem a learned man."
Distracted as I answer Erik "This, is Alchemy, I am testing a theory that I have about controlling weather."
Akio chuckles.
I take it from that stream of curses a moment ago it ended poorly my friend? Perhaps one day you will discover the power to do so, and if you do, remember, with power such as that, a great responsibility comes!
he turns to regard Eirk
You would be surprised my friend! Much of these was sold when I still traveled with the caravan. Though, this was sold more so.
he rummages through his pack and brings forth a waterskin
Here, our drink of choice when we seek to unwind, it is called sake. I feel it will be more to your liking.
"I was only trying to capture a small part, not control everything that was occurring outside currently." I say to the Asian man.
Erik accepted the sake with a nod and took a swig. "This has more of a bite! But I fear it is wasted on my tongue - I am more accustomed to beer and wine." He handed the waterskin back and turned to examine Damion's mess.
"How can a man control the weather? I have never heard of such a thing," he said, frowning at the alembics and vials.
As the night goes on, the storm rages outside. The inn seems to shake with every clap of thunder and creak with every gust of wind, but it holds.
As soon as dawn breaks, the wind and rains stops, revealing clear skies and a soggy village. The villagers start to salvage things as they can.
Alright, men, time for you to get up. There's still some cheese and bread if you want to eat, but I have to go help the salvage effort. If you want to go talk to Lord, follow the east road.
Guy nods and gathers up his monstrous crossbow, checking the string and making sure the quarrels where clear and ready. He was glad the storm had come to an end, heavy rain made accurate shooting difficult. Without waiting for the others, he snagged some bread and cheese before heading out to the stable to mount up.
Well then, an early start! I will go speak to this lord I believe to see if there is anyway to help the suffering of this land. any who wish to accompany me are welcome!
He will go begin saddling Zefa and eventually head on his way whether others come with him or not.
I will eat the cheese and bread prior to heading out up the East road.